Daily Physical Activity

Please note: this policy is being phased out as the new Grade 10-12 curriculum is implemented over the 2018/19 and 2019/20 school years. For the 2018/19 school year, only Grade 11 and 12 students are required to document and report physical activity as part of Graduation Transitions.

Date came into force or revised

Revised July 2018

Status

Revised

Policy statement

All Kindergarten to Grade 12 students (K to 12) must participate in physical activity.

Rationale or purpose of policy

Physical activity has a positive impact on students’ health and achievement. It also helps them develop good habits that can contribute to longer, healthier lives.

Authority

• Graduation Program Ministerial Order (PDF)
• Required Areas of Study in an Educational Program Order (PDF)                                             
• Educational Standards Order (PDF) 

Policy in full

All students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are required to participate in physical activity. 

Grades K-10: For students enrolled in Grades K-10, physical activity is included in the learning standards of the Physical and Health Education curriculum.

Grades 11 and 12: For the 2018/19 school year, students must document and report a minimum of 150 minutes per week of physical activity, at a moderate to vigorous intensity, as part of their Graduation Transitions program. See Resources section of this policy for tools to keep track of daily physical activity. Prescribed Learning outcomes for Grades 11 and 12 physical activity are set out in DPA Program Guide (PDF).  

Procedures related to policy

Responsibilities of Boards of Education and Independent School Authorities 

Boards of Education are responsible for

• Having in place policies and procedures to track daily physical activity of students in Grades 11 and 12. Schools are free to develop their own tracking tools or to use common provincial tools that are available to schools and students.
• Providing options to students in Grades 11 and 12 working on the 150 minutes per week requirement for how they will meet physical activity requirements at school, at home, in the community, or a combination of settings
• Making decisions regarding student exemptions from daily physical activity

Exemptions from physical activity

• School staff should consider each student’s request to be excused from physical activity. If students are not able to participate in physical activity due to physical disabilities, medical conditions, or personal circumstances, exemptions can be granted by the school principal.
• Whenever possible, adaptations to physical activity should be considered rather than exemptions, as many students with disabilities can benefit from physical activity. 
• The principal should make the final decision about granting exemptions through consultation with the student, parent, and school-based team