Cathy Chan, 16, CCC Kei Chi Secondary School Physical education has long been compulsory in many schools across the world. Educators say it helps children to develop the habit of exercising. But I think PE actually reduces students' interest in sport so it should not be compulsory. It is true that PE gives children a chance to try different types of sport, but that does not mean they will develop an interest in them. Forcing students to do something is not an effective or efficient way of developing their interest. As PE is one of the school subjects in which students are graded, they are more likely to see it as 'academic work' and less likely to develop an interest in it. Many argue that compulsory PE lessons help to ensure students do a certain amount of exercise and remain healthy, but I have doubts about that. According to studies, children should do at least 15 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercises three times a week. But in PE lessons, students are forced to exercise for 45 minutes or an hour. It is very intense. I don't think it's a good way of exercising. Exercise should be a hobby that children enjoy, not an 'assignment' that puts them off. I think schools should not make PE compulsory. Rather, they should encourage students to exercise on a daily basis by explaining the benefits to them. Jessica Leung, 16, Our Lady of the Rosary College Physical education has been a compulsory subject in schools for a long time and I think it should stay that way. I think PE can raise students' interest in sport and help them lead a healthy lifestyle. In PE lessons, students learn different kinds of sport, such as basketball, tennis and so forth. They can find out which kind of sport they enjoy playing. They develop an interest that could turn into a hobby. If it became a hobby, they would play it more often and lead a healthier lifestyle. Hong Kong students have very little time to exercise. Many studies have shown that they lack exercise and that obesity among children and teenagers is on the rise. PE is a good way of fighting obesity and improving students' health. If PE became an optional subject, I think not many students would take it. They would think it's less important because they would not be graded. They would want to spend more time on subjects that count in their final grades. They would not want to spend time on courses that would not help their academic future. This would defeat the purpose of the class. In Hong Kong, many people are aware of the benefits of exercising, but not all of them do it. Having PE lessons does not only raise students' interest in sport, but also helps them turn it into a life-long habit. What's more, it's easier to get the message of healthy living across to children early in life. In conclusion, PE should be compulsory and is the way to a healthier life.
