How can physical education be used to promote well-being in primary education?
How can physical
education be used to promote well-being in primary education?
Physical education lessons occur throughout
out the whole of the county in order to keep children fit and active.
Traditionally, a holistic approach was taken when it comes to well-being as
opposed to traditional PE subjects, however this is changing. “PE and schools
in general are responsible for the selection and transmission of healthy
messages,” (Evans & Rich, 2011, p.375) this is interesting as they are
suggesting that schools and teachers have a huge responsibility in delivering a
positive message regarding physical education and the importance of it and how
it is cross-curricular and links to well-being. Furthermore, this links in with
the successful futures review in Wales and how it expresses that they want
future generations to be healthy, confident individuals. In addition to this
Donaldson highlights that they are aiming for the future generations to become
healthy, confident individuals who “apply knowledge about the impact of diet
and exercise on physical and mental health in their daily lives.” (Donaldson,
2015, p.30) This
links in to the previous statement as it is vital that education on this
subject starts from the early years, also the way in which PE is being taught
will be altered due to the cross curricular aspect being introduced and the six
areas of learning, therefore it will come under ‘health and well-being’. The
Welsh Government highlight that children need to experience social, emotional
and physical well-being in order to thrive and engage successfully within their
education, and by having this cross curricular aspect implemented it could help
encourage knowledge, understanding and skills needed which will encourage
positive relationships. Furthermore, with having this cross curricular approach
teachers will have the ability to make strong connections between subjects
which is important, “Throughout
our discussion of curriculum we stress that children’s learning does not fit
into subject categories” (Plowden, 1967, p555) this is interesting as early as
1967 it was argued that learning should not be divided into subjects.
Furthermore, physical education can be used numerous ways
in order to promote well-being. One main way is educating students, if pedagogy
is taught in a beneficial way, and not in an unrealistic, unhealthy comparison
to models and social media influence then physical education can empower
individuals. However, currently it can be argued that young people increasingly
subject to performativity expectations in society within the Totally
Pedagogised Society (Bernstein, 2001;
Evans et al, 2008). This is huge issue surrounding well-being as social media
has a huge influence on individuals, however the Welsh Government are looking
to tackle this issue. Furthermore, physical education can promote healthy
lifestyle choice if taught effectively, as PE teachers can influence pupils to
lead a fit and healthy lifestyle. Davies expresses that PE teacher are the
gatekeepers of the future health and well-being of students as they have the
ability to positively influence students about the subject, furthermore she
highlights how obesity levels in children are increasing at an alarming rate
therefore, physical education can promote well-being by enabling both students
and teachers to try new approaches in order to help students become physical,
socially and mentally healthy.
The World
Health Organisation defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and
social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, therefore
we can see that health and well-being are very closely linked. Well-being can
be promoted by physical education as it is linked to fitness, being able to
perform effectively. Therefore, it can be suggested that physical education can
promote well-being in primary education as teachers will inform students of the
benefits of participation in physical activities. Furthermore, emotional and
social health also link to well-being and physical education in the primary
setting as emotional health links to having self-esteem, and BBC suggest that
self-esteem is boosted by the participation in PE lessons and interaction with
others which links in with the social health aspect of feeling positive about
interactions with others, which can also include having respect and tolerance
for other people. All these ideas link in with physical education and the way
in which it can promote well-being in primary education, however it is
extremely important that the educator is positive about the area and is
positive around pupils in order to successfully create an engaging environment
for all to learn.
To conclude,
physical education certainly can promote well-being in primary education due to
many reasons such as promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle, but also the
educator is an influential part in the process too. With the introduction of
Donaldson’s four purposes and six areas of learning physical education and
well-being will be taught more as one and be promoted throughout primary
schools.
Reference list
BBC (2004) Self-esteem boosted by PE lessons.
Available at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/3802515.stm (Accessed: 13th June
2004).
Collins (2018) Definition of
'physical education'. Available at:https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/physical-education
(Accessed: January 2018).
Davies, L. (2017) 'Why PE teachers are the gatekeepers of future health and well-being of
students' Available at: https://www.tes.com/news/blog/why-pe-teachers-are-gatekeepers-future-health-and-well-being-students
(Accessed: 12th January 2017)
Donaldson, G. (2015) Successful Futures: Independent
review of curriculum and assessment
arrangements in Wales,
retrieved:http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/150225-successful-Futures-en.pdf
Plowden, Lady Bridget. (1967). Children and
Their Primary schools: A report of the Central Advisory Council for Education,
Volume 1. London: HMSO.
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