Dubai: Saying no to physical education can hamper students' promotion to next grade in government schools, Gulf News has learnt.

The Ministry of Education is introducing physical education exams from the next academic year, and students must obtain passing grades to be promoted to the next class, said Mohammad Ali Mohammad, senior supervisor at the Department of Physical Education and Health Programme at the Ministry.

"The grading system has been there but not many schools follow it. But from next year, it is mandatory for all government schools to follow the grading system in physical education too. Students will have to pass a physical education exam to be promoted," the official said.

The official also said government schools will add an extra period to the existing two or three 45-minute weekly physical education classes, effective from next week.

Fitness

"The ministry has decided to increase the number of PE hours from two to three hours weekly for students between grade one and grade eight. And those students from grade nine to 12 who had one hour of compulsory PE class will have to dedicate two hours for physical activity," said Mohammad.

According to the new move, the subject will have units covering physical fitness and health, training in any form of sport and theoretical knowledge in physical education.

Students will also be encouraged to develop socially acceptable behaviour as part of using physical education for personality development.

The move to overhaul physical education in schools comes as a result of the UAE government's initiative to fight obesity and improve standards of health among school children. UAE has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world and latest statistics revealed by the ministry of health shows 12 per cent of children in the UAE are overweight.

Though the new rule is currently binding only on public schools, Mohammad said it could be made applicable in private schools too.

Lauding the ministry's move, Umm Rashid, an emarati mother of three, said she would be delighted to see her children having regular physical exercise. "At home, children spend too many hours watching TV or playing electronic games. It will be a good thing if they have exams in sports so that they understand the importance of remaining fit and healthy from a young age," said Umm Rashid.

Many people think lack of adequate facilities in schools for physical education and sporting activities is aggravating the problem of obesity in schools.

Stuart Lynas, a professional tennis coach who trains students in Dubai, said not many schools have after-school activity programmes.

"Parents have to shell out extra money to send them for sports training and I do not think it is fair. Schools should have the provision for physical activities after school hours, especially considering the fact that most families live in areas where children have no outdoor playing facilities," said Lynas.

However, encouragement and cooperation from parents are crucial for children to develop a fitness-conscious life, and some pointed out that is missing.

Will mandatory physical education classes help reduce cases of obesity among children? If not, what can be done to help overweight children?