Inclusion of Games in National Education Curriculum

Inclusion of Games in National Education Curriculum

The inclusion of games in the national curriculum for physical

education, provide children with a wide range of benefits, which can

lead to increased physical and mental development through sport. Team

games have recently been emphasised in the national curriculum, with a

privileged status for games establishing within the activity based

framework of the national curriculum (Williams, 2000). It is a common

fact that sport can provide children with positive and enjoyable

experiences, and through the appropriate teaching and learning of

games, these experiences can be developed to provide children with the

ability to realise his/her physical and mental potential. It is this

realisation which will prepare a child for adulthood and life in the

outside world. It is my intention to look at the many ways games

contribute to children’s schooling and also to interpret the various

programmes of study for games in the national curriculum for physical

education.

One of the most prominent developments in physical education today

is the growth in interest of health related fitness. A physically

active lifestyle can promote many benefits to a human being, both

healths related and performance related, including cardio respiratory

fitness, muscular endurance, agility, reaction time and even stress

management (Williams, 1989). During key stage 4 of the national

curriculum, pupils are given the opportunity to appreciate the

exercise effects and health benefits associated with their selected

activities. A lack of physical activity is known to be a primary risk

factor of almost equal i...

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...ttributes that evolve from participating in games during a child’s

physical and mental development. From the obvious long term benefits

of a physically active lifestyle, to the development of character and

self realisation. No-one can doubt the appeal of games to children,

they provide opportunities for children to pit their wits, test their

physical powers and extend their relationships (Williams, 1989).

Through interpretation of the national curriculum for games in

physical education, it is evident that the development of a child’s

physical and mental health, is the main areas hoping to be enhanced in

a child’s educational life. The national curriculum hopes to produce

healthy children who will be able to function happily and efficiently

in society, and hopefully continue their physical education into

adulthood.