Physical education and sports in schools

One of the cornerstones of a new Labour government's educational policy will be the development of physical education and sport in schools. This is especially important after statistics have proved that our children need to shed some extra kilos.

Obesity is not only caused by consuming the wrong food but also by the lack of physical activity. This is why a Labour government will strive to achieve a uniform timetable that will ultimately ensure that all schools will have two hours of physical education a week. It is true that in recent years parents have been more receptive of the benefits of physical activity but it is also true that some stubbornly resist having their children participate in any kind of sport. This is wrong and so one of our aims will be to continue educating parents to relent and see how beneficial sport is to their children's education.

Over the last years, there has been some improvement in sporting facilities in state schools but more can be done and the tempo should be stepped up. There are still far too many schools that do not have the proper facilities for this type of activity. The sports areas of schools must also have the necessary hygienic and sanitary facilities.

Fully-qualified teachers in physical education look after our children at schools but they should also be trained to ensure that students are protected from any possible abuse. This will entail the organisation of courses on a regular basis. It will also keep these teachers up-to-date with what is going in the world around us when it comes to preparing students physically.

I have no doubt that with the cooperation of the Malta Union of Teachers we can achieve much in this area. We will also explore the possibility of sending our PE teachers and educational officials on visits to other countries to see how they are developing their physical educational programmes and sports activities.

Over the years we have continually heard grumbling that sports facilities in schools, where they exist, are underused after school hours. This is why a new Labour government will enter into discussions with local councils and other organisations to map out programmes for the use of such facilities. It is, however, essential that we ensure that those who manage these facilities have the necessary professional qualifications to do so. We cannot just open up the facilities and expect everything to run itself as happens many times today when a caretaker is left in charge to allow those who have booked to enter school's sports areas without there being any actual control. We must persuade the University of Malta and MCAST to introduce courses that are tailor-made to promote the correct administration of sports facilities and the coaching of children.

Naturally, I have only commented on a few points in the Labour party's vision for the development of physical education and sports in schools. Ensuring that physical education forms a holistic part of the education system, from primary to university level, is an essential part of a new Labour government's efforts to improve the general health and physical shape of the future generations of our country.

Mr Abela is a Labour member of Parliament.