Stop PE exemptions!

I was honored by participating in an official school year inauguration of 2014/2015 held in Warsaw, in Gymnasium no. 81, patronage of Professor Witold Doroszewski.

I was there as one of many karate artists, our performances were a part of the event. I’ve had the opportunity to listen to the words of Minister of Physical Education and Tourism, Mr. Andrzej Biernat, who, among others, announced the continuation of his predecessor’s, Madam minister Joanna Mucha’s program – “STOP PE EXEMPTIONS”.

With all my heart I support this program. I can’t grasp the idea that so many parents decides on taking away from their children their weekly portion of exercises. I’ve tried to imagine the reasons behind this decision – to no avail. I’m sure that a fraction of a percent of children suffer from disabilities that make them exempt from physical educations. But the rest?

• The teacher is not likable? What if the math teacher is not likable by the pupil, does this make him exempt? If the teacher runs the class in a way that is not suitable for the pupils, it is worth to discuss this on the parents gathering, or just talk to him in person and present the doubts.
• The kid is shy? The reason behind is often the fact of being overweight or low self-esteem. Without regular exercises being overweight might turn into obesity. Reasonable teacher do not favor the talented ones and is for equal opportunities. If he does otherwise – do protest. Dedication should be the key grade factor. Participation in PE class shouldn’t be traumatic, and if it is – exemption is not the answer.
• Being on her period. More and more girls exploit the “this time of the month” option. I can understand that, when the menstruation causes sever pain. But in other cases? Can you imagine an athlete giving up competition because of herbeing on the period? Women Volleyball or Basketball teams would have their sides lacking half of the squad every second time. Is this really your gynecologist’s advice to refrain from exercises during “lady’s time”?
• If the PE exemption is driven by the fear of having low grade on the school year cert, then let me repeat myself – discuss the grading system with the teacher or even the headmaster’s office. After all, even if the grade is not high up enough – so what? I can’t think of any other reasons for exemptions. Sure, sometimes the physician sees the necessity to exempt the child from PE. It’s final and out of discussion. But in all the other cases let’s fight for the dose of exercises for our children. They will benefit from that throughout their life.

Foto. Andrzej Różycki – U1 Productions