Physical education
In most educational systems, physical education (PE) is a course which promotes physical activity and various sports. The intent is generally to promote fitness and health, as well as the benefits of team-building, teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play.
Some popular US physical education activities include:
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Capture the flag
- Dodgeball
- American Football
- Gymnastics
- Field Hockey
- Soccer
- Square dancing
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Weight lifting
- Wrestling
In most states and provinces in Canada and the United States of America, physical education is a required course from grades 1 to 6, although states and school districts can set their own requirements (and many districts with limited budgets are cutting back on physical education).
In Canada, PE is required up to grade 10, although some provinces are considering extending this to grade 12.
Sports played in other countries
- In the UK, different sports like netball, tennis, and rugby are played.
- In Romania and Moldova, oina (which is similar to baseball), rugby, basketball and soccer are popular sports played in PE classes.
- In New Zealand and Australia, other variants of baseball, cricket, and in some schools, rugby, are played.
- In Japan, physical education is most likely more like what the Americans call health classes, although some Japanese high schools, like ones in Hokkaido, have the American version.