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Essay on Physical Education in Schools

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Historical Context
The purpose and approach to teaching and classroom management has considerably changed due to a variety of factors including government policies, developing research and scientific explanations for its benefits to children during their education (Lance et al, 2007). Mackenzie (2004) recalls on how in the Havoverian Period (1714-1790) play and sport, particularly in the education environment was largely ignored by the government. This lead to minimised use of it and Physical Education (PE) was a very irregular activity in schools. (Lance et al, 2007; Mackenzie, 2004). However, progressively school sport and activities within the teaching environment were developing (Mackenzie, 2004 [online]). Public schools became highly …show more content…

This led to further guidance and statutory documenting such as further PE curriculums and government initiatives, such as Every Child Matters (2003) which promotes an increase opportunities to use exercise in schools to benefit children in these discussed ways. (Bailey et al, 2004).

Government Initiatives
The government initiatives in the UK still lye at the recommended rather than statutory regulations with consideration for physical exercise being used as a tool to promote holistic learning. (Cheatum & Hammond, 2000) However, the Every Child Matters (2004) document provides holistic learning outcomes for children and suggests that these are “inter-dependant” (DfES, 2004), each supporting the development of the ‘whole child’, as did the Act for Education 1944. (Bell, 2004 [online]).

The significant outcome that connects the relationship of exercise and academic learning; is the ‘Be Healthy’ concept of which DfES (2004) state that if schools promote and provide the opportunities to ensure the engagement of this outcome, the children will be developing mentally and physically together. Although there is no guidance as to how this will be achieved the Scottish ‘Active School Status’ for schools promotes extended opportunities for physical activity integrated in the classroom of which they relate back to the Every Child Matters statement that, “Children and young people learn when they are healthy... happy and

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