The secondary curriculum review
PE helps students acquire the necessary skills, understanding and knowledge they need to participate successfully in physical activities both now and in the future. Students develop analytical and evaluation skills by deciding how to improve the quality of their own and others' work. This is essential in developing learners who are creative, resourceful and able to solve problems. It also helps them to understand how they learn and how to set themselves targets based on their mistakes and successes.
By working in a variety of contexts on their own, in groups and in teams, students learn to work both independently and collaboratively. By participating as performers, leaders and officials students develop the ability to communicate effectively in a range of ways both verbally and non-verbally.
Competence in physical activity and the sense of enjoyment brought about by being active and successful engenders a sense of confidence and self-esteem in students and enables them to become increasingly independent. This confidence encourages them to get involved in physical activity for its own sake and as part of a healthy lifestyle choice. Experiencing a range of activities, roles and contexts helps students gain the confidence to try new things, make the most of opportunities, recognise their talents and develop ambitions. Taking on responsible roles and being responsible for their own and others' safety also gives them confidence.
Working in groups and teams in different activities provides opportunities for students to learn to work with others and form good relationships. In PE students engage in competitive, creative and challenging activities that require them to become self-aware and deal with their emotions, for example when winning or losing or when being supportive of others.
PE encourages learners to be enterprising and work cooperatively with others. Taking on the roles of leader or official helps develop a sense of respect for others and the ability to apply rules fairly and act with integrity. When placed in a situation where risk is involved, students must learn to ensure their own and others' safety while still maintaining the challenge. This is critical for the development of a set of principles for distinguishing between right and wrong.
PE encourages students to be active, making regular physical activity part of their lives. PE encourages students to consider the impact of their lifestyle choices on the environment and sustainability.
PE provides opportunities to explore physical activities from across the world. This helps develop an understanding of others' cultures and traditions and provides a strong sense of their own place in the world.
