Physical Education (PE) has long been a staple of school curriculums, aimed at promoting fitness, teamwork and a lifelong commitment to physical health.
Yet, as its role in education is increasingly questioned, some argue that PE can be more detrimental than beneficial, sparking anxiety and discomfort in students rather than joy.
Others, however, stand by its benefits, citing both physical and mental advantages that PE offers.
So, is PE in school a friend or a foe?
First and foremost, PE undeniably encourages physical activity, crucial for children’s health and development.
In a time where idle lifestyles and screen time dominate, PE provides students with a valuable and possibly unlikely-to-happen-otherwise opportunity to move, exercise, and release energy.
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease – risks that are rising in younger populations.
Moreover, studies have shown that physical activity boosts energy levels and increases focus, helping students in other areas of study as well.
Physical exercise is known to stimulate the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and alleviate stress.
For students who may feel the pressure of academic work, PE can be an enjoyable outlet that relieves tension and anxiety.
PE lessons often include team sports, which foster collaboration, communication and leadership skills.
Working together toward a common goal builds friendship and strengthens connections, providing social and emotional benefits that are sometimes missed in traditional classroom settings.
Furthermore, PE can help students gain confidence, as physical achievements contribute to a sense of self-worth.
Mastering a skill or improving personal fitness can provide a sense of accomplishment that motivates students in other aspects of their lives.
On the other hand, it is no secret that not all students look forward to PE.
For some, it’s a dreaded time of anxiety and discomfort.
From the pressure to perform well in sports and ‘overly’-competitive players to fear of failure and letting others down, PE can seem more like a time to get things over and done with, rather than a time in which to relax and remove the pressures of academic life.
There’s also the issue of grading in PE.
Assessing students based on physical ability can feel unfair, especially for those with varying levels of fitness or physical limitations - all in all, things that cannot necessarily be helped with.
This can turn PE from a class that encourages physical activity into one that feels like an impossible, unfair competition.
Ultimately, the question of whether PE is a friend or foe depends largely on how it is structured.
To make PE a friend, schools could place more emphasis on individual growth and enjoyment rather than competition.
Providing students with a range of activities, from team sports to personal fitness and not just making them do one particular sport could allow them to discover and develop skills that truly interest them whilst also staying active.
PE can be an opportunity for every student to grow physically and mentally, but only if schools acknowledge that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.
By addressing these concerns, PE can shift from foe to friend, promoting a healthier and more inclusive attitude toward physical activity.
