Standards and Practice for K-12 Physical Education in Singapore: Although Physical Education is Required at All Grade Levels in Singapore, Physical Educators There Still Battle Marginalization of Their Subject

Overview & Synopsis

This article discusses the standards and practice for K-12 physical education in Singapore. A national curriculum (NC) guides instruction in all subjects, including physical education. A Physical Education Syllabus Committee has been formed and tasked with reviewing the physical education curriculum and revising the standards for implementation in 2006. The committee consists of the heads of various physical education departments, teachers, university faculty, school principals, and Ministry of Education (MOE) personnel. This curriculum was last amended in 1999. The main physical education standards are the same across all grade levels. These are: (1) To learn the skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities with understanding; (2) To know how to develop and maintain physical fitness; (3) To foster self-esteem by developing body awareness and control; (4 ) To participate regularly in physical activity and know the implications of, and the benefits from, involvement in physical activities; (5) To acquire safety skills and habits; (6) To develop an appreciation for concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship; (7) To understand and apply critical thinking skills to physical education.