Mandatory physical education for P.E.I. students praised

A national advocacy group is applauding P.E.I.'s Education Department for making phys ed mandatory in high school.

The department announced last week students will need a grade 10 phys ed credit to graduate.

Darryl Boudreau, a phys ed teacher at Bluefield High School, is looking forward to having a larger grade 10 class next year.

"If we can instill in them an understanding of physical activity and wellness, then that can be taken on and continued on well after high school is done," said Boudreau.

The Education Department is recognizing a need for better physical education for students. According to the latest survey of Island students' health fewer than half are getting enough daily exercise.

Sasha Alexov, program coordinator for the group Physical and Health Education Canada, says mandatory high school physical education is a good way to turn that around. Tthe group advocates for that right across the country, but P.E.I. is just the second province to listen.

"I think that's a fantastic move," said Alexov.

"In order for them to have careers and have a future, they need to know their bodies, they need to be physically active."

Alexov would like to see P.E.I. go further and make phys ed a requirement in all three high school grades, just as Manitoba does.

The Department of Education says says it doesn't want to restrict students course options any more than it already does.