NLIS 1
September 19, 2005
(Education)
Physical education
programming in better shape with new equipment
This fall, students attending high
schools are enjoying $1.4 million in new physical education
equipment. The funding was allocated in Budget 2005 as part of the
province�s new high school physical education programming, said
Education Minister Tom Hedderson.
Senior high school graduation requirements that have come into
effect this school year include mandatory physical education. New
courses are being introduced that will offer students choices in
completing this new graduation requirement. To support the new
curriculum, for the first time, the Department of Education is
providing funding directly to schools to purchase physical education
equipment.
�We are moving forward with new initiatives in physical education,�
said Minister Hedderson. �Teachers, students and support staff need
to be encouraged to lead active and healthy lifestyles. We intend to
continue to finance fitness equipment that will provide improved
physical education opportunities in our schools.�
While schools may opt to purchase traditional equipment such as
basketballs or volleyballs, there are many choices available to
them. �Schools can purchase any number of physical education
materials. Maybe they are interested in cross-country skis or
snowshoes. They may prefer GPSs or compasses. One school might buy a
commercial rower, while another may opt for a spinner bike. We want
our students and teachers to be active, and we are providing them
the means to do so,� said the minister.
The new physical education program in high schools builds on new
curriculum recently introduced from Kindergarten through Grade 9.
Emphasis is placed on activities that appeal to a broad range of
students, and students will play a role in determining the types of
activities that will take place in a given year.
To complement this infusion of equipment and new curriculum, the
Department of Education, school districts and physical education
teachers will be working together to raise awareness among our youth
regarding the importance of active, healthy living in school and
throughout their lives.
Media contact: Nora Daly, Communications, (709) 729-1906, 728-2819
2005 09 19
9:20 a.m. |