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SCMP Reporter

While the majority of PE teachers agree with the implementation of physical education as an exam subject, a survey by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CU) shows there is little support from principals and parents.

  While the Education Department implemented the PE programme in 1991, only 40 of Hong Kong's 468 schools offer PE as an exam subject.

The CU survey, which was carried out by its Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, was aimed at analysing the reasons behind the slow implementation of the PE programme.

  Questionnaires were sent to head PE teachers in all secondary schools, with 246 responding. While 98 per cent of respondents agreed with the implementation of PE as an exam subject, most said there was limited support from principals and parents for such a move.

 'Principals, academic teachers and parents fear that a subject, which has more to do with recreational pleasure than it does with the much- valued learning of traditional subjects, would soften the core of the curriculum,' the report said.

  Responding to the CU survey results, assistant curriculum officer (PE) at the Education Department, Ho King-yan, said the findings were acceptable.

  'It is understandable that it takes time for schools to add PE as part of the HKCEE curriculum.

  'It's a matter of human resources, personal interest and facilities. That's why we cannot make it a compulsory subject, but only an alternative.'   Jockey Club Ti-I College specialises in training athletes. Vice- principal Chan Yin-hung agreed with the idea of introducing PE as an optional subject.

  'Like arts, music and other non- academic subjects, PE should be available as an alternative subject for students,' Ms Chan said.

  However, she said there were several logistical and operational issues which had to be taken into consideration before a school could offer PE.

  'Most schools only have two PE teachers. Since they may not be good at every sport . . . there is a possibility that teachers will encourage students to choose the sports which they are good at,' she said.

 Chan Cheong-lap, principal of Ho Fung College which has offered PE as an optional subject for students since 1991, said sports should be emphasised as part of education.

  'The five virtues - morality, intelligence, physical development, team spirit and aesthetics - are equally important for an all-round person. Nothing can be achieved without good health,' he said.

  'But we cannot force our students to take PE. Some students' health may not be good, or they may have some hereditary diseases.

  'So we can only encourage them,' Mr Chan said.

  Lai Nai-pang, principal of SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School, explained why the school didn't offer PE as an exam subject.

  'PE is not that popular in our school. For six years I have been a principal and only one student has came to me and asked why we don't offer PE in the HKCEE. It's because students think it may not help them to enter university.'   Parents also set higher priority on academic results.

  Luk Cheung Po-ping, who has a 17-year-old son, said students should concentrate on academic subjects rather than sports.

  'I agree a certain amount of sport is important for good health. But I believe most students cannot excel in both sports and study,' she said.

  'I would rather encourage students, and even my son, to play sports for relaxation than to take it as a public exam.'   Her son, Luk Ming-tat, a sixth-former at St Joan of Arc Secondary School, agreed.

  'Space and facilities at school are good enough for general PE classes, but not for taking a public exam.

  'That's why me and my schoolmates would rather focus on academic subjects than physical education.' 



PE exam plan lacks support