Books and homework alone don’t make an education. Learning need to be well-rounded –  students learn pick up all sorts of life skills and habits in school, even from a very young age. Required curriculum elements have, in many cases, forced districts and schools to cut some of the extras that help to make our students more well-rounded individuals. No one wants to see art, music, or even food education cut out of their school’s curriculum, but did you know how important a strong PE curriculum can be?

The handy infographic below  (created by UNESCO) takes a look at why a quality physical education program is so important for students. It does more than get students up off their tookusfor an hour in the middle of the school day. Keep reading to learn more.

The Power of Physical Education

Physical education provides a gateway to:

• Physical well-being
• Social and emotional well-being
• Culture and the arts
• Literacy and communication
• Learning approaches and cognition
• Numeracy and mathematics
• Science and technology

Physical Education….

• Values and communication skills are a critical complement to cognitive knowledge
• Quality physical education drives inclusion
• Develop knowledge and confidence to drive academic achievement
• Breaks down barriers
• Challenges stigma
• Encourages dialogue and understanding between all groups
• Drives socioeconomic improvement – fewer health issues, obesity, longer life span, etc

Because of all these benefits, 97% of countries have made physical education compulsory, but:

• Only 79% of countries have prescribed curricula
• Physical Education is considered less important than other subjects in 54% of countries
• Only 53% of primary schools have suitably trained Physical Education teachers