Quality Physical Education programs encompass a wide variety of carefully planned learning experiences from sport skills to outdoor skills. Attention to developmentally appropriate curricular goals and learning outcomes will ensure that children of all abilities and interests are able to build a foundation of movement experiences and knowledge - that is, a language of physical movement or physical literacy that leads to life-long active and healthy living.

The benefits of quality Physical Education include:

• the development of a level of personal fitness that supports healthy living;
• a skill base that enables children and youth to successfully participate in a variety of physical activities; and
• development of the habit of life-long participation in health-enhancing activities.

What are the benefits of Quality Programs of Physical Education?

Our children and youth need to be ‘physically educated' so they will be ‘physically active' throughout their lives. Research has shown that when children are engaged in quality Physical Education Programs:

• Students usually perform as well or better academically than those receiving more academic curriculum time and less Physical Education.
• Students develop positive attitudes about school. This leads to improved attendance and reduced dropout rates.
• Students develop lifelong positive personal health habits, are less likely to smoke, use drugs or alcohol.
• Students develop aerobic endurance, muscular strength, and exhibit fewer risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Students can develop active lifestyles that help to address health issues such as obesity, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and type-2 diabetes.
• Students experience improved self esteem and self-concept, and lower levels of anxiety and stress.
• Physical Education can be a "hook" for some students, motivating them to attend school and stay on task in class.
• Participation in Quality Daily Physical Education programs in childhood is positively associated with higher levels of physical activity in adulthood.