Madam, - I would like to commend Tom Humphries for his recent article on physical education (Education & Parenting, April 1st).
His comments on Barking Abbey, east London, which is funded as a specialised sports school, point to the lack of similar initiatives in our own education system.
What is particularly interesting is the positive correlation between an increased emphasis on the importance of sport and improved academic performance. He exhorts us to consider how PE can be integrated more efficiently and effectively into our schooling.
There is an urgent need for PE to be made an assessable subject in the Junior Certificate. In recent years Civic, Social and Political Education has been introduced successfully in second-level schools in recognition of the importance of an informed young citizenship. There is an equally strong argument to be made for the introduction of a subject that develops the physical potential of our young people.
It could incorporate modules dealing with the anaerobic, aerobic, flexibility and sporting-skill potential of each student. Health education would also be a crucial element in any such programme. Such a subject would be ideally suited to some form of continuous assessment. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr DEIRDRE HENEY,
(Fianna Fáil),
Sion Hill Road,
Dublin 9.