The Benefits Of Physical Education

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Recently there has been controversy about the topic of physical education being compulsory throughout all years of schooling. The main benefits that will be focused on will be academic performances, physical education helping depression and benefiting one’s health. The main concerns of whether physical education is beneficial to being mandatory in schools will also be discussed including; time-wasting and ineffective while reducing one’s interest in sport.
Physical education or PE, also known in many countries as physical training, is an educational course related to the physique of the human body. It is taken during primary and secondary education and encourages personal learning in a play or movement setting to promote health. The health …show more content…

Brain serotonin is a chemical found in the human body that carries signals along and between nerves. A study distributed in Neuropsychopharmacology revealed that there are two mechanisms which physical activity increases brain serotonin (livestrong.com, 2013). Physical movement and exercise increases breathing and your heart rate so that more blood flows to the brain that enhances energy production and waste removal. Studies show that in response to exercise, walking is good for your brain, because it increases blood circulation and the oxygen and glucose that reach your brain (scientificamerican.com, 2017). Walking isn't trying, therefore your leg muscles do not take up extra oxygen and glucose like they do during other forms of exercise. As you walk, you oxygenate your brain. Maybe this is why walking or exercising can ‘clear your head’ and help you to think better. According to Dr. Christina Curry, a lecturer in the school of education at the University of Western Sydney, 30% of schools in NSW are making two hours of physical education compulsory, as physical activity improves psychology, wellbeing and reduces depression.
The CDC, Columbia University, The New York City Health Department, The Department of Education, The University of Illinois, West Virginia and California have all published research that is behind the need of physical education to be compulsory throughout all years of schooling. The CDC states, ‘physical activity can have an impact on cognitive skills and attitudes and academic behaviour, all of which are important components of improved academic performance. These include enhanced concentration and attention, as well as improved classroom behaviour’. (sparke.org,

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