October 9, 2009 3:29 PM
The day of the lotus has arrived in school gyms, putting a new twist on the traditional physical education class.
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Yoga, the ancient practice that develops both strength and flexibility, along with mental discipline, is now one of a number of new course options that fulfills Nova Scotia’s physical education requirement.
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Physical education became a graduation requirement last year.
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Yoga 11, successfully piloted in three school boards last year, has proven popular with students looking for a non-competitive alternative to the traditional phys-ed class. Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial will pilot the program in two schools this spring.
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The course addresses the province's commitment to increasing the participation rate of female students, as well as males, in physical activity.
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"It is essential that we continue to work at getting more of our youth engaged in healthy, active living," said Education Minister Marilyn More. "Part of that strategy is to develop physical education programs that will interest girls and young women and inspire more of our students to get and stay active over their lifetime.
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"The Department of Education is also introducing two additional physical education options in English schools that will count toward the new phys-ed credit: Physically Active Lifestyles 11 and Fitness Leadership 11.
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Fitness Leadership 11 is unique because it gives students an opportunity to earn certification as fitness leaders, providing them with the credentials they need to work as leaders in community physical activity programs.
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This program develops leadership skills for young people so that they can take these new skills into the community, making them healthier places to live and work," said Ms. More.
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CSAP is in the second year of implementing its new physical education courses in grades 10, 11 and 12. All schools now offer these phys ed programs, which contain a fitness leadership unit.
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Also among the new and expanded programs in school this year are:
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-- Grade 7 arts curriculum in English schools that includes band instruments, music and visual arts.
-- Family Studies curriculum for the English grade 7, with special focus on textile arts and design.
-- New Family studies curriculum for Grade 10, including Food Technology 10, that will count toward the mandatory technology credit.
-- Expanded co-operative education. Grants of $390,000 expanded the program by 39 schools, bringing the total number of schools in co-op to 74. CSAP this year has all 10 of its high schools now offering the co-op program.
-- Communications Technology 11 represents a new step in expanding the number of high-quality, tech education offerings. It offers students hands-on learning with digital photography, digital video, broadcasting, and a host of communication video.
-- Construction Trades 11 launches in six English schools across the province. The course builds on the material taught in Skilled Trades 10 and gives teens the opportunity to continue to work in a cutting-edge learning environment to further develop their skills through working like tradespersons at a construction site model.
-- Options and Opportunities, O2, the department's innovative program designed to re-engage students through more hands-on learning and workplace experiences, is also expanding with two more schools offering the program in the CSAP
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FOR BROADCAST USE:
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Yoga, expanded co-op education and revamped family studiesare among new course offerings this school year.
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Yoga 11, which was successfully piloted in three schoolboards last year, along with Fitness Leadership 11 and PhysicallyActive Living 11 are being introduced as options to fulfill NovaScotia's phys ed graduation requirement.
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Education Minister Marilyn More says Yoga is part ofgovernment's commitment to develop physical education programsthat interest girls and inspire them to get active.
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The department is also expanding co-operative educationprogram, introducing new curriculum in family studies, the artsand construction trades. -30-Media Contact: Peter McLaughlin
Department of Education
902-424-8307
E-mail: mclaugpx@gov.ns.ca
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