PE is associated with health and wellbeing, as a primary site for student engagement in the development of knowledge and understanding of issues related to health. Consequently, researchers within the Physical Education Research Forum aim to better understand this position for PE and what it means for teaching, learning and student experience. Importantly, group members also aim to challenge this position for PE, question the extent to which PE and PE teachers should be responsible for developing students’ physical health, and the extent to which current practice in PE can improve children and young people’s social, emotional and mental health.

• Physical Education is a compulsory part of the National Curriculum with programmes of study from KS1-4
• Pupils are statutorily entitled to Physical Education

Physical Education (PE) develops students' competence and confidence to take part in a range of physical activities that become a central part of their lives, both in and out of school. A high-quality PE curriculum enables all students to enjoy and succeed in many kinds of physical activity.

1. Students who play sports are better able to concentrate and maintain focus, which has a positive impact on their academic life. This can lead to improved attainment in all other academic subjects.
2. Regular exercise is vital in the fight against child obesity. We all know the many health problems that are associated with obesity and how important it is to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. Positive exercise habits that are implemented in childhood and adolescence will likely continue into adulthood.
3. Students who exercise regularly have a better quality of sleep. They are therefore more alert at school and have higher levels of concentration.
4. Physical exercise helps children relieve stress and anxiety. Young people today are arguably under more pressure than ever, so it is vital for them to have an outlet for this stress.
5. Playing sports in groups help young people to improve their teamwork and leadership skills. It also helps to form stronger bonds between peers and promotes a healthy class dynamic.
6. Physical activity promotes positive body image in teenagers, especially amongst women and girls. In this age of social media and societal pressure to look a certain way, this is of utmost importance.
7. Sports teaches children to have improved self discipline. They can implement this self control in all aspects of their life, from better controlling their emotions to being more self motivated with their studies.
8. PE helps children to develop their confidence. This can have a positive aspect on all areas of their life, such as their personal relationships and ability to integrate quickly and make friends, to thinking about their future goals.
9. Sport helps children develop their motor skills and strengthen their muscles. When fine motor skills are developed, children will be more adept at handwriting or playing a musical instrument.
10. Children who play regular sports have improved behaviour in school.

The following video explains it well