Definition of Physical Education
Webster’s Dictionary
Physical education is an integral part of education which gives instructions in the development
and care of the body ranging from simple calisthenic exercises to a course of study providing
training in hygiene, gymnastics and the performance and management of athletics games.
Columbia Encyclopedia Physical education and training, is an organized instruction in motor
activities that contribute to the physical growth, health and body image of the individual.
Central Advisory Board of Physical Education and Recreation Defines Physical education as an
education through physical activities for the development of total personality of the child to its
fullness and perfection in body, mind and spirit.
Rationale of Physical Education
Physical Education (PE) develops the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes needed for
establishing and enjoying an active and healthy lifestyle, as well as building student confidence
and competence in facing challenges as individuals and in groups or teams, through a wide
range of learning activities.
PE is offered as a core subject at tertiary level. It emphasizes the connection between theory
and practical skills and is designed to develop the interest and potential of students in the areas
of PE and sports. It will help students gain a deeper understanding of theories and applications
in the fields of human movement and health, and it will promote the well-being of individuals and
society.
The curriculum for PE builds on the prior knowledge and skills that students will have obtained
through the Basic Education PE Curriculum and other Key Learning Areas. The concepts on
fitness and health will be strengthened and new elements on sports psychology, biomechanics,
and sports and recreation will be added. The senior secondary PE curriculum will continue to
enhance the six strands in PE and develop students’ collaboration and communication skills,
creativity and critical thinking skills as a basis for further studies and career development.
As we know, education, particularly school education, aims at the holistic development of
children. It provides students with opportunities to grow and develop as adults to be useful for
society. It is important for us to know that one of the most important requirements for growing
into healthy adulthood is the physical growth which supports cognitive development. It is,
therefore, necessary that all children get adequate opportunity to participate in free play,
informal and formal games, sports and yoga activities. It is in this context that health has been
made a significant component of the subject of Physical Education in the school education
system of the country.
Physical education comprises holistic education for the development of personality of the child
to its fullest and perfection in body, mind and spirit through engaging in regular physical
activities. Physical education through the medium of physical activities helps individuals to attain
and maintain physical fitness. It contributes to physical efficiency, mental alertness and the
development of qualities like perseverance, team spirit, leadership and obedience to rules.
It develops personal and social skills among the learners and makes a positive impact on their
physical, social, emotional and mental development. It also contributes to the total health of
learners and the community.
Physical education thus, can be defined as a subject that is not only focused on physical fitness
but is also concerned with development of a number of skills, abilities and attitudes for leading a
healthy lifestyle. It inculcates values like cooperation, respect to others, loyalty, self-confidence,
winning with grace and losing with hope.
Objectives of Physical Education
1) Develop motor abilities like strength, speed, endurance, coordination, flexibility, agility and
balance, as they are important aspects for good performance in different games and sports.
2) Develop techniques and tactics involved in organized physical activities, games and sports.
3) Acquire knowledge about human body as its functioning is influenced by physical activities.
Scope of Physical Education
Physical education has evolved as a multi- disciplinary subject over time and its scope is not
confined to physical fitness and knowing the rules of games and sports. It includes many topics
which belong to other subjects like science, biology, genetics, psychology and sociology.
Components of Physical Education
1. Games and sports as a cultural heritage
2. Mechanical aspects in physical education
3. Biological contents
4. Health education and wellness contents
5. Psycho-social content
6. Talent identification and training contents
History of Physical Education
Proponents of Physical Education
Plato In 386 B.C.,
Physical Education began in ancient Greece. Plato is the one who invented Physical Education,
hosting classes at his school titled Akademia. He understood the importance of teaching
children about Physical Fitness, and students began learning it at age seven. Plato was a skilled
wrestler, and he believed that education and physical activity combined helped one attain
perfection.
Johan Friedrich Simon (1723 – 1790)
The first recorded modern Physical Education teacher was Johan Friedrich Simon. He was a
part of the curriculum at Johnann Bernhard Basedow’s school in Dessau, Germany. The
curriculum of the physical education was primarily gymnastics but also consisted of other sports
like fencing and horseback riding.
