Physical education provides children and young people with a platform from which they can build physical competences, improve aspects of fitness, and develop personal and interpersonal skills and attributes. It enables them to develop the concepts and skills necessary for participation in a wide range of physical activity, sport, dance and outdoor learning, and enhances their physical wellbeing in preparation for leading a fulfilling, active and healthy lifestyle.
In addition to planned physical education sessions, physical activity and sport take place in the classroom, in the school, during travel such as walking and cycling, in the outdoor environment and in the community. Learning in, through and about physical activity and sport is enhanced by participating in a wide range of purposeful and enjoyable physical pursuits at break times, lunchtimes, within and beyond the place of learning.
Children and young people should develop an understanding of their physical health and the contribution made by participation in physical education, physical activity and sport to keeping them healthy and preparing them for life beyond school. They require an awareness of the relationship between diet and physical activity and their role in the prevention of obesity.
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