Mandatory Physical Education Credit on the Way

---

More students will be hitting gym mats, tossing stability balls and breaking a sweat outside gym walls beginning next fall as the province puts increased emphasis on student health and fitness.

Many Nova Scotia high schools will begin expanding physical education programs beginning in September, with all high schools introducing a compulsory credit requirement in September 2008, Education Minister Karen Casey announced today, Feb. 20.

"This government is moving forward on its commitment to make physical education mandatory at the high school level," said Ms. Casey. "Investing in a strong physical education program, delivered by qualified teachers, is all part of our effort to provide our students with a healthy, physically active school experience from Primary through to graduation."

Students entering Grade 10 in September 2008 will be required to earn a physical education credit over their years in high school to graduate. The credit can be taken at Grade 10, 11 or 12 levels, or through a combination of half-credits.

Phys Ed is already a mandatory subject from Primary to Grade 9.

Students graduating in 2011 will need a minimum of 19 credits to earn a Nova Scotia high school diploma, with the number of compulsory credits increasing to 14 from 13.

Many of the province's 98 high schools will be prepared to expand student enrolment in physical education beginning in the 2007-08 school year, and have been urged to do so by the Department. Department staff will continue to work with boards to plan and support implementation of the new physical education curriculum and new graduation requirement over the next year.

"Physical education not only builds strong bodies but strong minds, as well," said Ms. Casey. "A healthy student is better able to learn."

The minister said the extra lead time to introduce the mandatory credit will give the department and boards the time they need to resolve issues such as scheduling, facilities and staffing.

The province has been working with school boards to provide quality physical education programs in schools, as well as helping promote physical activity beyond the instructional program. The department invested $560,000 this year to hire 10 additional physical education teachers in grades 3 to 6, plus another $512,000 in 2005-06 to hire Healthy Active Living Consultants to lead and support physical and health education at each board.

"Schools are doing their part, but they are only part of the solution," said Ms. Casey. "Solving the problem of youth inactivity is a shared responsibility."

---

FOR BROADCAST:

     This government is moving forward on its commitment to make

physical education mandatory at the high school level.

     Many Nova Scotia high schools will be expanding physical

education programs this September, with all high

schools introducing a compulsory course in September 2008,

Education Minister Karen Casey announced today (February 20th).

     Students entering Grade 10 in September 2008 will be

required to earn a physical education credit over their years in

high school to graduate. The credit can be offered at Grade 10,

11 or 12 levels, or through a combination of half-credits.

-30-

Media Contact: Peter McLaughlin
              Department of Education
              902-424-8307
              E-mail: mclaugpx@gov.ns.ca