Characteristics of a Quality
Physical Education Program

Quality physical education programs are structured so that the duration, intensity, and frequency of activities motivate students and meet their individual needs. When appropriate, students participate in the selection of activities from all movement categories. All students are given equal opportunity to participate in a balanced physical education program. It is intended that a quality physical education program will:

foster the development of positive attitudes
foster active participation
require problem-solving skills
recognize the difference in students' interests, potential, and cultures
develop personal and career-planning skills

The Development of Positive Attitudes

Students are exposed to experiences that encourage them to enjoy and value physical activity and its effect on lifelong health and well-being. They are encouraged to explore, take risks, exhibit curiosity, work with others co-operatively, and achieve a personal functional level of physical fitness. All movement experiences provide opportunities for the development of positive personal and social behaviours.

Active Participation

Learning experiences in physical education provide maximum activity and participation time for every student. During group work, every opportunity is made to ensure that each student has an active role in the learning activity.

Problem-Solving Skills

In order to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills, students are challenged to identify and investigate problems, find active ways to solve them, and represent solutions in a variety of ways.

Diverse Student Characteristics

Selection of learning activities, equipment, and materials reflect students' diverse characteristics. Cultural heritage, gender, special needs, and a variety of interests are examples of characteristics to be considered when planning learning opportunities.

Personal and Career-Planning Skills

Wherever possible, a physical education program should connect students to what is happening in the community and the workplace. Students should be provided with opportunities to explore careers related to physical activity and develop basic employability skills, including teamwork, problem solving, leadership, and effective communication.

The diagram that follows outlines the framework used to develop the physical education curriculum.

Table of Contents

Maintained by: Physical Education Coordinator

Revised: March 1996