 All
children in North Ayrshire will receive two hours physical education per
week following plans from the Scottish Executive designed to counter
childhood obesity.
The new measures will also see the recruitment of 400 new PE teachers in
Scottish schools and increase the range of activities available to pupils.
The announcement has received the backing of Allan Wilson MSP, Environment
Minister and former Sports Minister in the Scottish Executive.
“I welcome this new initiative on the part of the Executive. The promotion
of physical activity is a key part of our health improvement strategy, which
recently gained the backing of the World Health Organisation.”
“Ensuring school pupils receive adequate physical education can play a big
part in reducing childhood obesity, and studies have shown that many
children, and especially girls, do not currently meet even minimum
recommendations for physical activity. It is also critically important that
pupils are provided with improved facilities, allowing them to make the most
of PE lessons. While an increased range of activities will hopefully
increase participation.”
“In April the Sports Minister announced a further £9million of lottery
funding designed to improve PE and sports facilities, while £24 million is
being invested to develop and expand the Active Schools Programme over the
next three years. The results of this extra investment is already leading to
better facilities, more sports co-ordinators, and more PE teachers in North
Ayrshire’s schools” said Mr Wilson.
Education Minister, Peter Peacock MSP, added "The Executive is committed to
improving levels of physical activity and helping turn the tide of growing
obesity levels. To do this, we need to make it easier and fun for young
people to be engaged and more active.
"By increasing the amount of time allocated to PE and training more
teachers, pupils will receive high quality PE from an early age. Increasing
the choice of activities – to include activities like dance, aerobics and
martial arts – will help to reach pupils, particularly girls, who may have
been turned off by more traditional sports.
"I know that revamping PE alone cannot make Scots more active. But it can
make activity more attractive and, coupled with existing initiatives, ensure
future generations have solid foundations for lifelong engagement in sports
and a healthier life." |
