Physical education and sport have an educational impact. Research shows that developing motor skills have an impact on educational potential. Thus, there is a positive relationship between being involved in physical activities and psychosocial development. Sport and physical education are elementary to the early development of children and youth and the skills learned during sport, physical education that contributes to their holistic development. Participating in sport and physical education, young people learn about the importance of key values such as discipline, responsibility, self-confidence, sacrifice and accountability, respect for themselves and others, and adherence to rules.
Physical Education (PE) is mostly viewed as an unimportant subject within the curriculum. To produce exam results many secondary schools have progressively reduced sports and PE time in favour of what is considered as more “important” subjects. Through participating in sports young people learn how to deal with competition, and how to cope with both winning and losing. In order for this to happen, school sports must be in place which has an impact on a child’s social and moral development in addition to physical skills and abilities. However, physical health, growth, and development have also to start at a young age and cannot wait for the students to complete their studies.
Research shows that 38% of English secondary schools have to cut the timetable for PE due to the increasing pressure to produce exam results. The importance of PE cannot be undermined as over 30% of year six pupils are classed as “overweight” or “obese” according to the latest government figures.
Benefits of long-term involvement in physical activity
Physical education and sport also builds health activity habits that encourage life-long participation in physical activity. The impact of physical education on child development remains beyond the schoolyard and has a potential impact on public health. To achieve broader goals in education and development, sports should be made an integral part of the curriculum where the focus should be on active participation and not merely as a spectator. In summary, while sports play a very vital role in the development of Mental Strength, and Physical Fitness of a Body they have also positive benefits on education.