Why is Physical Education included within the National Curriculum?
Physical Education (PE) is an integral part of the core curriculum, and is a foundation subject in all primary and secondary schools (Stidder and Hayes, 2011). “Physical education’’ is used to refer to that area of the school curriculum concerned with developing students’ physical competence and confidence, and their ability to use these to perform in a range of activities (Department of Education and Employment, 2000). I believe PE should be in the National Curriculum (NC) as it benefits people physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.” (Wuest, D.A., & Bucher, C.A., 1999). Young people can also get a great deal of enjoyment from PE lesson this is supported by Birtwistle, and Brodie (1991), who suggest that both teachers and pupils regularly rate PE lessons among the most important in the curriculum, along with the most enjoyable.
Arguably, the debate about National Curriculum Physical Education (NCPE) and its role in promoting lifelong participation is a subject that has raised much discussion from physical educators, governments, health organisations and a large array of academic authors (Green et al, 2005: Fairclough et al, 2002: Kirk, 2005, Penney, 2008). The introduction of a new NCPE within the NC in September 2008 helped generated such contrasting arguments as to what the new NCPE should consist of and how lifelong learning and participation could be incorporated into NCPE (Green, 2005). Within this essay I endeavor to uncover and highlight the importance and relevance that PE has within the NC specifically looking at the importance and significance for promoting lifelong participation and the benefits to health. I will explain and evidence why I believe PE should be in the NC at all Key Stages.
A number of authors questioned the effectiveness of NCPE, arguing that PE was too rigid in its approach and was failing to promote participation and learning following education...