JOINT COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
Report on Physical Education
Response From
Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick
and the Physical Education Association of Ireland

1) Introduction

Some key concepts and content of this submission stem from the, World Summit on Physical Education, 1999 (ICSSPE, 2001). Over 250 delegates from 80 countries, representing governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, and academic institutions attended the World Summit on Physical Education (Berlin, November 3-5, 1999). The purpose of the gathering was to produce a consensus statement regarding the current position of Physical Education worldwide and describe a strategic way forward. It was held under the international patronage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and with the co-sponsorship of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Delegates at the world summit endorsed the Berlin Agenda, November 1999, which described actions to be taken by ministers and senior officials responsible for Physical Education and Sport so that the impact of Physical Education and Sport on individuals and nations globally could be maximised. Subsequently, the Berlin Agenda was endorsed at the Third International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS III, December 1999). The content and principles of these documents and a strategy for the promotion of Physical Education within Ireland are described within this submission.

Sufficient information is not available to answer comprehensively each of the terms of reference of the Joint Committee on Education and Science on Physical Education. This document represents the majority of the relevant information available to date.

1.1 Physical Education as a 'Best buy' for all

The case for Physical Education is made on the grounds of evidence from the following areas of research:

• Educational
  
• Children's development
  
• Contributions to social & cognitive development, school life
  
• Economic - prevention of risk behaviours, health problems, long term benefits
  
• Health
  
• Sports development, foundation for/of Sport
  
• Social development & inclusion

Immediate investment in Physical Education is a best buy for a number of government departments and organisations. If a best buy is to be achieved the promotion of quality Physical Education must be placed firmly on the National Development Plan (NDP). The potential benefit to government departments and organisations are described in the following sections:

Department of Education and Science and Parents Organisations:

Physical Education is the only educational experience where the focus is on the body, Physical Activity and physical development. Implementation of a Quality Physical Education programme will ensure that the impact Physical Education can have on the individual and the nation is optimised. The potential educational impact of a Quality Physical Education programme in all schools is outlined in the following section:

Quality Physical Education:

• Is the ONLY educational domain where the focus is on body, Physical Activity and physical development;
• Helps children to develop respect for the body - their own and others';
• Contributes to integrated development of mind and body;
• Develops an understanding of the role of Physical Activity in promoting health;
• Helps children to develop the patterns of and interest in Physical Activity, which are essential for healthy development and which lay the foundations for adult healthy lifestyles;
• Positively enhances self confidence, self esteem and reduces tendency to risk behaviours;
• Enhances social and cognitive development and academic achievement;
• Prepares children to embrace cooperation, competition, winning and losing;
• Makes distinctive contributions to developing social skills, moral and aesthetic development;
• Provides skills and knowledge for future life working in Sport, Physical Activity, and leisure;
• Is inclusive regardless of ability, gender or culture;
• Reduces negative attitudes to school and dropout;
• Is the ONLY comprehensive way of providing ALL children and young people with skills & knowledge for life-long participation in Physical Activity and Sport.

World Summit (1999)

Department of Health and Children and Health Boards:

The WHO (2000) organisation has identified Physical inactivity as one of the key threats, even greater than smoking to worldwide population health. The regular practice of appropriate Physical Activity in communities can bring significant economic benefits in terms of reduced health care costs, increased productivity, healthier physical and social environments, better performing schools and work sites, stronger participation in Sports and recreations and greater Sports achievements. Current evidence indicates that there is a growing cost of medical care due to physical inactivity, which can range from 2.4% (Netherlands), 6% (Canada) and 9.4% (USA) of total health sector cost. Extant research undertaken at international levels indicates that $1 invested in Physical Activity leads to a saving of $3.2 in medical costs. Investment in Primary/preventative health care will ensure that individuals will remain out of hospital beds thus resolving the shortage problem. Physical Education, Activity and Sport must play a key role in governmental health promotion, Primary/preventative care and rehabilitation policies, if these policies are to be successful.

Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Irish Sports Council and National Governing Bodies of Sport:

Quality Physical Education provides the educational experience required for future participation of the individual in Sport. The development of a positive disposition to Physical Activity and Sport is an educational and lifelong process. The broader the participant base in Physical Education the greater the potential for future national and international Sporting success. Investment in Sport will not be effective unless underpinned by the provision of quality Physical Education programmes for all.

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform:

Investment in Physical Education will result in a significant reduction in juvenile delinquency and violence, and social costs (Brettschneider, 2001). Clearly positive adolescent attitudes to society and the law should track into adulthood.