According to PO-Raad, the requirement for primary schools to provide two hours of physical education every week, as set out in the amendment, runs counter to freedom of education. PO-Raad also points out that the number of teaching hours has not been prescribed for any other subject. Moreover, the amendment anticipates the proposals made by teachers in curriculum.nu. PO-Raad believes it is important that the curriculum is shaped by the education sector and not imposed by politicians. On curriculum.nu, 125 teachers and 18 school leaders present their proposals for the educational content of tomorrow in 9 learning areas, including Physical Activity & Sport.
In its response to the adopted amendment, Kooper also said that PO-Raad believes it is important for children to be physically active at school and for attention to be paid to a healthy lifestyle. “That is something we, as PO-Raad, are committed to. PO-Raad considers physical education taught by a qualified teacher to be important. But physical activity is more than physical education. PO-Raad therefore advocates integrating physical activity into other lessons and throughout the entire school day, for example during breaks in the school playground as well.”
Also read: Primary schools required to provide at least two hours of physical education every week