‘Physical education vital part of curriculum’

With Springer Memorial set to have the first Athletic Training Track at any school on the island, new Minister of Education Kay McConney is saying that the time has come for the country to move from relegating physical education programmes to games.

Delivering featured remarks at Monday’s ground breaking ceremony for the track, at the Government Hill, St Michael based institution, McConney declared that gone are the days when physical education activities were limited to running around the track and executing star jumps, doing two push ups and kicking a ball.

The Minister said a meaningful and relevant physical education curriculum will afford students many opportunities to explore, enjoy and succeed in a range of physical activities.

She said, additionally, students in a well-structured physical activity programme will be able to develop various skills and use tactics and strategies as well as analyze situations critically and make informed decisions.

“We know only too well of the financial gains in sports and the tremendous benefits professional athletes are able to realize as a result of engagement in high quality physical education programmes like the ones we have here at Springer Memorial.

“We also know of the many careers in sports, whether you are talking about sports medicine, physicians, kinesiologist, exercise physiologist facilities, managers, nutritionist, the list goes on. And these are professions and careers that are available in front and behind the scenes in sports.

“In addition to the financial and career gains that can accrue, a high-quality physical education teaches the value and benefits of physical and mental health, social skills, self esteem and character development as well as student academic success. The research confirms that healthier students correlate to better learners,” she said.

McConney said the groundbreaking ceremony for the track which will be built by C.O. Williams Construction Ltd, signals an important step in the life of the noble and forward-thinking institution.

The Minister explained that in May 2017 a proposal which she has lauded and described as transformational, was made to develop the western side of the school with the view of constructing a 200-meter five lane track. It is also proposed that a shade house in support of hydroponics farming where students would explore techniques in hydroponics and improvements in the poultry production facilities.

“The completion of such facilities will be the first of its kind within the construct of a school environment in Barbados. Thank you for blazing the trail Springer Memorial. It is my belief that the interconnected concepts of eating healthily and being active will become even more real to the student population and will increase their appreciation for sustainable approaches for healthy living.

“The completion of the high performance centre should also remind us of how our schools can serve as a catalyst for change as we look to develop capacity, promote critical thinking, problem solving and engage in lifelong learning,” McConney said.

Springer’s Principal Michelle Maxwell said she hopes the beginning of construction works on the Government funded fit for purpose facility estimated to cost just over BDS$200 000 will commence in two weeks.

Maxwell said all efforts will be made to maintain the natural aspect of the environment including the protection of the flora and fauna.

“We are community oriented and God is at the centre of our very being. And it would require us to be good neighbours to our schools and for other schools to benefit from this particular initiative.

“Remember that Springer Memorial has led the way in securing athletic scholarships for our students and not just for students of Springer Memorial School, we have extended that facility to students across the education landscape.

“So, like that, we will also want to ensure that students’ physical education faculties are able to come and to use our facilities. We are a very caring and sharing school,” Maxwell said.

The principal also commended the Barbados Secondary Schools Athletic Championships (BSSAC) facilitators for organizing a virtual race scheduled to take place on February 16. Maxwell said the event will provide an opportunity for the school to scope for students who can contribute to the school’s athletic programme. (AH)