Physical education

Quality daily physical education in schools is essential to the healthy development of Canadian children and youth. QDPE provides an opportunity to reach virtually every child in Canada, regardless of gender, ability, socio-economic status, or culture to enable the development of the knowledge and skills and attitudes that are needed to lead active, healthy lives. All children need and deserve quality, daily physical education - it is an essential part of childhood development.

Quality Daily Physical Education is a well-planned physical education program for children in grades K-12 that is taught by qualified and enthusiastic professionals and offers a variety of learning opportunities to all students on a daily basis throughout the entire school year. A QDPE program includes:

• Daily curricular instruction for all students (K-12) for a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Well planned lessons incorporating a wide range of activities.
• A high level of participation by all students in each class.
• An emphasis on fun, enjoyment, success, fair play, self-fulfillment and personal health.
• Appropriate activities for the age and stage of each student.
• Activities which enhance cardiovascular systems, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility.
• A participation based intramural program.
• Qualified, enthusiastic teachers

Why do we need QDPE?

• Children need the opportunity to develop the knowledge, fundamental skills and attitudes that they require to be physically active both within and outside of school, now and for life.
• Children need to develop skills in a variety of areas, and need to learn them in a sequential way with the opportunity to put learning into action.
• QDPE ensures that those individuals charged with teaching physical education believe in its importance, are enthusiastic about its delivery, and are qualified to teach an effective program.
• QDPE is necessary to ensure that all elements of the physical education provincial curricula are being taught and that all children have the best possible opportunity to achieve the required outcomes.
• Children need the opportunity to be active on a daily basis.
• Our children deserve and have a right to receive QDPE.

What are the benefits of QDPE?

Studies show that physically active children are more likely to become physically active adults. As a result, regular physical activity:

• Has a positive impact on behaviour and healthy lifestyles.
• Enhances academic performance.
• Improves mental health and contributes to a child's healthy growth and development.
• Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Reduces levels of obesity and overweight.
• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis by improving skeletal health.
• Can significantly reduce present and future health care costs.