| Local authorities across Scotland have been criticised for failing to meet Scottish Executive targets of providing each pupil with at least two hours of curriculum PE per week, with only one council, East Renfrew-shire, meeting the guidelines, according to a recent survey.
However, Dundee City Council says that while it is on target for the Executive’s deadline of 2008, there are various other activity programmes and exercise initiatives for children and young people in the city.
“We are well on the way to meeting the target for more physical education time in our schools,” Councillor Keenan said.
“Over and above that, we are leading the way in increased physical activity for young people at our leisure facilities and through the active schools programme.
“Dundee City Council is making a lot of progress in extending and expanding physical activity to pupils in both primary and secondary schools.
“Over the last two years, there has been a considerable increase in provision of PE in the curriculum in primary schools.
“All primary schools are also involved in the Active Schools Programme which incorporates walk to school initiatives, daily physical activity, after school clubs, lunchtime activities, holiday programmes and playground games.
“A variety of sporting activities is also offered through partnership working with the Leisure and Communities Depart-ment of the city council.
“These activities, combined with the weekly PE lessons taught by both class teachers and visiting specialists, will mean almost all primary pupils will be achieving the national target of 120 minutes.”
The city council says primary head teachers have been very positive in taking forward the recommendation for additional PE activity and time, while in secondary schools, the provision of PE for S1-S4 is also improving, with most schools providing two periods (110 minutes) per week per year group.
A spokesman for the city council said, “New and innovative activities and sports have been added to the curriculum to accommodate the pupils’ needs and interests.
“All 10 schools are actively working to increase the time given to physical education as well as increasing physical activity through the Active Schools Programme.
“Six of the 10 secondary schools in Dundee have also reintroduced a games afternoon (two periods) for the S5/6 senior pupils.
“Many schools make use of neighbouring council leisure facilities to allow more pupils the opportunity to be more active.
“These facilities are funded centrally by the Education Department to allow more flexibility within the timetable.” |
