School Influence on Sports

School Influences in PEWe are all affected by our experiences of PE in school, and

also the importance given to PE and sport by our school.

There are several influence we should look at:-

I. The National Curriculum

II. Examinations in PE

III. Time given to PE

IV. Open enrolment

V. Sports Colleges

VI. A sports future for all.

National CurriculumPE is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum. This

means it has equal status with the other subjects. It has set targets and levels which can be given for differing abilities and age groups. There are a variety of sports which can be chosen from different categories.

Examinations in PE

Most pupils now have the opportunity to study PE at GCSE level and an increasing number can now study at A –Level standard. There are also courses that can be more vocational such as GNVQ and BTec National Diplomas. PE studies can also be taken in higher education at Degree Level and Masters Level.

Time Given to PEBy Law schools have to teach the subjects of the national

curriculum. This means there is a lot of pressure to fit in all of the subjects into the school curriculum. As a result time for PE has been cut in many schools, especially primary schools. The Government advises that we have 2 hours of PE a week in school. The ‘Young People and Sport’ national survey by sport England showed that overall the number of pupils spending more than 2 hours per week fell from 46% in 1994 to 33% in 1999.

Open Enrolment & Sports CollegesOpen enrolment means that schools are in competition with

one an other to attract pupils. The standard of PE in a school and the number of extra curricular activities will help the schools reputation. As a result PE in schools is especially important.

Sports colleges are colleges that have been allowed to specialise in certain subject in particularly Sport and PE. Sports colleges are the governments plan to help talented young sports people raise the standard of British sport.

Sports Future for All

The Government has sports development officers in place which will aid in the development of sports in both schools and the surrounding area. They have also introduced PE School Sports Offices, who link together primary and secondary schools with the idea of raising standards of PE in schools. Both roles are there to provide opportunities for young people to take part in PE and sporting activities on a more regular basis.

How do PE lessons affect us?PE has the same aims as other subjects in the school, it aims

to contribute to the general education and well being of children. It does so by using physical activity during lessons, encouraging the participation in activity both during and after school. There are three major factors that influence whether or not we take part in sport.

Skills Attitude Health

Skills - PE teachers teach us the basic skills needed for a variety of sporting activities. They develop these skills during the years at school so pupils become more confident. They also improve abilities of pupils through coaching and training both in school and extra curricular activities. They offer pupils a chance to achieve in different areas.

Attitude – PE teachers try to develop a positive attitude towards PE, physical activity and an active lifestyle. They explain the advantages of long term involvement in physical recreation. They act as a role model for students.

Health - They explain the value of regular exercise for health and fitness and go through the important principles involved in both the theory and practical side of PE. They teach you how to be safe during activity and can give helpful advice.