S1/2

Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport – Broad General Education

Physical Education

Physical education provides learners with a platform from which they can build physical competences, improve aspects of fitness, and develop personal and interpersonal skills and attributes. It enables learners to develop the concepts and skills necessary for participation in a wide range of physical activity, sport, dance and outdoor learning, and enhances their physical wellbeing in preparation for leading a fulfilling, active and healthy lifestyle. They encounter a variety of practical learning experiences, including working on their own, with a partner and in small and large groups, and using small and large equipment and apparatus, both outdoors and indoors. Learning in, through and about physical education is enhanced by participating on a regular basis in a wide range of purposeful, challenging, progressive and enjoyable physical activities with choice built in for all learners. The Scottish Government expects schools to continue to work towards the provision of at least two hours of good quality physical education for every child, every week.

Physical Activity and Sport

In addition to planned physical education sessions, physical activity and sport take place in the classroom, in the school, during travel such as walking and cycling, in the outdoor environment and in the community. Learning in, through and about physical activity and sport is enhanced by participating in a wide range of purposeful and enjoyable physical pursuits at break times, lunchtimes, within and beyond the place of learning. The experiences and outcomes are intended to establish a pattern of daily physical activity which, research has shown, is most likely to lead to sustained physical activity in adult life. Experiences and outcomes should also open up opportunities for learners to participate and perform at their highest level in sport and, if interested, pursue careers in the health and leisure industries.

Physical Activity and Health

Learners develop an understanding of their physical health and the contribution made by participation in physical education, physical activity and sport to keeping them healthy and preparing them for life beyond school. They investigate the relationship between diet and physical activity and their role in the prevention of obesity. The experiences and outcomes are intended to establish a pattern of daily physical activity which, research has shown, is most likely to lead to sustained physical activity in adult life. Physical activity and sport take place in addition to planned physical education sessions, at break times and lunchtimes in and beyond the place of learning.

Your broad general education in PE will help you develop the following skills and knowledge:

Skills

·         improve practical performance in a wide range of activities e.g. football, basketball, badminton, gymnastics, swimming and athletics

·         improve fitness

Knowledge

·         how the body works; how to break down a skill; how to improve your performance in an activity

·         how to participate in a team game and play to your strengths; by gaining an understanding of structures and strategies