Physical Education, Sports, and Health in Europe and America

The reporting that was done lately talks about the values and practices of
Physical Education, Sports, and Health in Europe and America, and the contribution of
P.E. towards socio-emotional and mental development, and its academic achievement
impact in the Philippines. It tackles the impacts and the practices of PE curriculum in the
said continents which we have learned that it has positive status and its impacts. Also,
the commendable impacts of PE in the Philippines on the development of socio-
emotional, mental, and academic achievement of students were discussed.

The importance of Physical Education at school in all European countries were

recognized. The countries (United Kingdom, Spain, Russia, Italy, Finland) highlighted
the importance of engaging in physical activity and sports as an advantageous way of
spending leisure time. Also, Physical Education as a subject in the said countries
become part of the central curriculum frameworks and is compulsory in primary and
lower secondary education. Physical Education in America is valued and successfully
integrated. Where it is recognized as an important and valued component in children’s
education and sports, and physical education were highly recognized in schools. Shape
America, a society of Health and Physical Educators envisions to have a nation where
all children are prepared to live healthy, physically active lives through the help of
physical education and health.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, several studies showed the benefit and impact of
Physical Education on the socio-emotional development, mental development, and
academic achievements of the students. Studies showed that physical education
provided several benefits to the social and emotional development of the students.
Where they have developed a sense of sportsmanship, belongingness, developed their
social skills, and established good relationships with others. Reviews also showed that
physical activities also have positive effects on mental health for both adults and
children, where those who mostly engaged in physical activities increase the level of
cognitive function, concentration, and memory thinking. The studies that were reported
also showed that when a person engages in physical activity like exercise, the body
releases chemicals called endorphins that result in experiencing a reduction of stress
and anxiety. For the reason that physical activities improve one’s cognitive function, it
only shows that it can also improve students' performance in school. Moreover, a study
also showed that physical education paves the way to the students’ academic progress.
Sports participation creates a great effect on the contribution of students’ academic
accomplishments. Furthermore, several studies also emphasized that active
engagement in physical activities improves memory and concentration in school that
results in improvement of grades.

Overall, the reporting gave substantial information for me to comprehend and

realize. The reporting made me realize and reflect that compared to the PE and health
curriculum in Europe and America, we have a lot of things to work on. That is why, as a
future educator, it is a big challenge for me on how to give changes and improvement to
the PE and health curriculum here in the Philippines.