We are all affected by our experiences of PE in school, and also the importance given to PE and sport by our school.
There are several influence we should look at:-
I.
The National Curriculum
II.
VI.
III.
IV.
V.
Examinations in PE
Time given to PE
Open enrolment
Sports Colleges
A sports future for all.

PE is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum. This means it has equal status with the other subjects. It has set targets and levels which can be given for differing abilities and age groups. There are a variety of sports which can be chosen from different categories.

Most pupils now have the opportunity to study PE at GCSE level and an increasing number can now study at
A –Level standard. There are also courses that can be more vocational such as GNVQ and BTec National
Diplomas. PE studies can also be taken in higher education at Degree
Level and Masters Level.

By Law schools have to teach the subjects of the national curriculum. This means there is a lot of pressure to fit in all of the subjects into the school curriculum. As a result time for PE has been cut in many schools, especially primary schools. The Government advises that we have 2 hours of
PE a week in school. The ‘Young People and Sport’ national survey by sport England showed that overall the number of pupils spending more than 2 hours per week fell from 46% in 1994 to 33% in 1999.

Open enrolment means that schools are in competition with one an other to attract pupils. The standard of PE in a school and the number of extra curricular activities will help the schools reputation. As a result PE in schools is especially important.
Sports colleges are colleges that have been allowed to specialise in certain subject in particularly Sport and PE.
Sports colleges are the governments plan to help talented young sports people raise the standard of British sport.

The Government has sports development officers in place which will aid in the development of sports in both schools and the surrounding area. They have also introduced PE
School Sports Offices, who link together primary and secondary schools with the idea of raising standards of PE in schools. Both roles are there to provide opportunities for young people to take part in PE and sporting activities on a more regular basis.

PE has the same aims as other subjects in the school, it aims to contribute to the general education and well being of children. It does so by using physical activity during lessons, encouraging the participation in activity both during and after school. There are three major factors that influence whether or not we take part in sport.


 Skills
Attitude
Health

Skills PE teachers teach us the basic skills needed for a variety of sporting activities. They develop these skills during the years at school so pupils become more confident. They also improve abilities of pupils through coaching and training both in school and extra curricular activities. They offer pupils a chance to achieve in different areas.
Attitude – PE teachers try to develop a positive attitude towards PE, physical activity and an active lifestyle. They explain the advantages of long term involvement in physical recreation. They act as a role model for students.
Health They explain the value of regular exercise for health and fitness and go through the important principles involved in both the theory and practical side of PE. They teach you how to be safe during activity and can give helpful advice.