Physical Activity Initiatives

Why
Inactivity among children and youth is increasing in Canada, and even though British Columbia is one of the most active provinces, a large number of BC children are not active enough to achieve health benefits. It is important for all students to participate in quality physical education classes and school-based physical activities that contribute positively to their health and development. Encouraging children to build physical activity into their day helps them acquire the knowledge and attitudes of how to be physically active for life.

How
A variety of physical activity initiatives are now under development within the Ministry of Education:

Physical Education
The provincial Physical Education curriculum includes prescribed learning outcomes for participating in a range of physical activities as part of Physical Education programs.  Physical Education is a required area of study from Kindergarten to grade 10.  It is an elective subject area in grades 11 and 12.  The current Physical Education K to 12 curriculum (Integrated Resource Packages) is available at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp.

Physical Education Integrated Resource Packages (IRPs) Achievement Indicators Project
Work has begun on the K - 12 Physical Education IRPs [English] [French] to develop achievement indicators and scoring rubrics that will improve instructional practice and assessment. It is expected that the draft Achievement Indicators Project K - 7 will be available for review and response in early 2005.

MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS
Daily Physical Activity Medical Exemption Guidelines
It is expected that all students will participate in DPA when it is implemented in September 2008. The Ministry of Education recommends that Boards develop guidelines to provide medical exemptions to those few students not able to participate in DPA for reasons of physical disabilities or health conditions.

Sample language to assist boards of education in the development of these guidelines is available in the linked document. Daily Physical Activity Medical Exemption Guidelines (PDF - 16KB)

Medical Exemptions - PE 10 & Personal Health Graduation Transitions
Successful completion of Physical Education 10 is now mandatory within the 2004 Graduation Program. Educators representing physical education and special education teachers, secondary school administrators and ministry staff have developed guidelines and advice regarding students who are unable to participate. Physical Education 10 Medical Exemption Guidelines (PDF - 16KB) and 2007-2008 Graduation Transitions Physical Activity Medical Exemption Guidelines (PDF - 16KB) should help educators provide a consistent approach throughout the province when students are medically excused.

External Sport Credentials
The 2004 Graduation Program provides greater choice in the physical activity area by expanding and adjusting the external sport course process from Grades 10 - 12. The Ministry of Education, in consultation with the Sport Secretariat, Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development, have expanded external sport credentials. In addition to current Athlete, Coach and Official 11 and 12 courses, students are now able to receive credits for sport credentials at the Grade 10 level. Please see your school counsellor for additional information.

Graduation Transitions - Personal Health
Physical activity and healthy decision-making are included in Graduation Transitions. Graduation Transitions replaces the Graduation Portfolio Assessment requirement. Daily physical activity and a commitment to fitness and physical and emotional well being are key to healthy living. In the Personal Health component of Graduation Transitions, students develop the knowledge, attitudes, and habits needed to be healthy individuals by maintaining a personal health plan and participating in at least 80 hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity in addition to PE10. More information can be found in the Program Guide for Graduation Transitions.