A study on awareness of physical education programme between government and private higher secondary school girls

Physical education plays a significant role in educating both mind and body. It contributes directly to development of physical competence and fitness and helps the students to make informed choices and understand the value of leading a physically active lifestyle. The benefits of physical education can affect both academic learning and physical activity patterns of students. The healthy, physically active student is more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. In the preschool and primary years, active play may be positively related to motor abilities and cognitive development. As children grow older and enter adolescence, physical activity may enhance the development of a positive self-concept as well as the ability to pursue intellectual, social and emotional challenges. Throughout the school years, quality physical education can promote social, cooperative and problem solving competencies. A study was conducted to compare the awareness of physical education programme among higher secondary girls between private and government schools of Namakkal district, Tamilnadu. 200 subjects were randomly selected from government and private higher secondary school. The data were collected by questionnaire and the ‘t’ ratio was employed for statistical computation. From the results, it was concluded that there was statistically no significant difference found at.05 level between private and government schools. Hence it was obviously understood that the school children need to be required to make aware and to know the importance of physical education programme at school levels. Quality physical education programs in our nation's schools are essential in developing motor skills, physical fitness and understanding of concepts that foster lifelong healthy lifestyles.