New Physical Education Curriculum on the way

A new Physical Education Curriculum to cater for every child in the primary and secondary school system will soon be implemented.{{more}}

Making this public knowledge was Deputy Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education Luis de Shong as he addressed the 2008 Inter Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Tuesday, March 17.

“I remind you that a new curriculum for Physical Education is now almost complete and will soon be ready for implementation at both primary and secondary levels. And we are, therefore, seeking to build capacity throughout the system in this regard,” de Shong revealed.

The Deputy CEO, pointing to the virtues of Physical Education, said: “The research suggests that Physical Education in schools is about students learning about themselves: their capabilities, their potential and their limitations. It is about the foundation on which participation in sports is laid. But it goes beyond the individual and understanding one’s self. It is indeed about learning how to work with and respect others”.

“I make no bones about emphasizing the high regard that is placed on Physical Education and Sports in our school system, and especially Athletics”, de Shong remarked.

To scaffold his point, de Shong said, “I am happy to announce that six of our PE teachers in secondary schools and one in the primary sector will participate in a professional enrichment programme at the University of Technology in Jamaica during the coming summer holidays”.

“Moreover, an increasing number of graduates of the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies of the Community College, who successfully complete the Cambridge AS Physical Education Programme, are being employed in secondary schools as teachers of Physical Education when there are needs and available posts… Three of our experienced trained teachers in the secondary sector hold undergraduate degrees in Physical Education”, he added.

“And I am also pleased to announce that six Vincentians who headed to Cuban educational institutions in 2002 will return to these shores at the end of the current academic year armed with undergraduate qualifications in Physical Education and Sports,” the Deputy CEO emphasized with some gusto.

de Shong reminded of the benefits that can accrue from Physical Education and stated: “Students, there are numerous opportunities on the road ahead of you, even as it relates to your demonstrated outstanding involvement in every sport that is played within the school system and also on a national level. But may I emphasise how very important it is for you to pay equal attention to your studies. Good sportsmen and women in this country, although not the recipients of sporting awards, have also excelled in their studies”.

The 2008 edition of the annual athletics showpiece of the secondary sporting programme saw the St. Vincent Grammar School taking the boys category and the Girls’ High School, the girls category. (RT)