This essay focuses on the analysis of the rationale of physical education in the curriculum and discusses the approach to the subject by relation to the national program. In this essay you will notice discussions about why physical education should be considered a core subject in Key Stages 1 to 4 (ages 5 to 16) and how it could be integrated with other subjects academics. , the term physical education could be defined as “a component of education that enables an individual to learn and develop understanding of the academic applications of a healthy lifestyle” (Ahmed, A, 2005: 5). From this quote mentioned by Ahmed, it provides information that teaching physical education to the student during key stages 1 to 4 would develop a child's understanding of health and also takes into consideration the “Every Childs Matter (ECM)” program. According to Talbot “Physical education helps children develop respect for their own bodies and others” (Talbot, 2006: 397). By stating this, Talbot is telling us that physical education and involvement in health and safety are linked to respecting others and taking care of their own bodies. It would be an advantage for the program to teach mainly in Key Stages 1 and 2. This is because between the ages of 5 and 11, children tend to be very physically active, which can be dangerous for other children. With the national curriculum incorporating physical education as a core subject within these key stages, children would develop a better understanding of health and safety. This is an Ofsted report because it states that "one of the strengths of Key Stages 1 and 2 was that the understanding of health and fitness was substantial" (Ofsted, 2009: 8). For example...... middle of paper ......g Physical education would allow the child to deepen his knowledge and experience other sports that he would have practiced if he were not hadn't had the chance. Whereas if physical education was not included in the school curriculum, the teaching of other subjects would be less interesting because practical learning would not really be a way of learning and health would be a very important issue for the nation if physical education was not seen as a way of learning. an essential subject within the program. Works Cited Richard Bailey. (2006). Physical education and sport in schools: a review of benefits and outcomes. Journal of School Health. 76 (8), 398 Ahmed, S (2005). Education and physical education. Delhi: Isha Books. 1.Ofsted, 2009. Physical education in schools 2005/08: Working towards 2012 and beyond. [pdf] London: Ofsted. Available at: www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/080249 [Accessed 1 April 2009].