Principals sceptical about sports as optional subject

Updated on: Saturday, December 10, 2011

College principals welcomed the idea of junior college students being allowed to opt for health and physical education as an optional subject in arts, science and commerce stream from the academic year 2012-2013, but were sceptical about whether students would be able to make the right choice.

The proposal from the Maharashtra state board of secondary and higher secondary education will be approved by the state government next week.

Ujjwala Patil, state board chairperson, claimed that the subject would include everything from physical fitness to diet intake. “Yoga techniques will also be taught. It is part of the syllabus that we have put up on our website for suggestions from all the stakeholders. The board’s general body has approved it and the proposal will be sent to the state’s education department for their consent on Monday,” said Patil. She added that the subject will be optional for students. “Students have to choose English and a second language. Sports education could be one of the four remaining subjects,” she added.

According to the curriculum on the board’s website, the subject has been designed for the masses and it needs students to be evaluated continuously for their participation. While 8% of the marks will be dedicated for practicals, 20 marks will be allotted for theory. The practicals will comprise 20% physical fitness, 70% athletics and games and 10% yogic exercises. The theory exam will test the knowledge and application level of the student. The curriculum also defines athletics and physical fitness components. Around seven asanas will be taught to students in class XI and XII. The theory component will include principles of physical fitness, management of obesity, careers, nutrition, etc.

Suhas Pednekar, principal of Ramnarain Ruia College, said, “It is a good move. However, students will not go for such subjects unless it is made mandatory.” Another principal however said that if only a few students opt for this subject, it will be difficult for the college to offer it as an option. “There are subjects opted only by eight to ten students, which the college cannot offer. It is difficult to get staff and pay them, as it also takes time to get an approval. We will also need trainers for different sports, in case there is a demand,” said the principal.

Principals sceptical about sports as optional subject

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