This essay deals with the analysis of the rationale for physical education in the curriculum and the discussion of the subject's approach to the national curriculum. Within this essay, you will notice that the reasons why physical education should be considered a core subject from key stages 1-4 (ages 5-16) and how it could be integrated with other academic subjects are discussed. Looking at the research, the term Physical Education could be defined as “a component of education that an individual has the opportunity to learn and develop their understanding of the academic applications of a healthy lifestyle” (Ahmed, A, 2005:5 ). From this quote mentioned by Ahmed, information is provided that teaching physical education to students in key stage 1 -4 would develop a child's understanding of health and also takes into consideration the 'Every Childs Matter (ECM) curriculum )". According to Talbot “Physical education helps children develop respect for their own bodies and those of others” (Talbot, 2006:397). In stating this, Talbot tells us that physical education and involvement with health and safety in terms of respecting others and also caring for your own body. It would be an advantage to the curriculum to teach primarily within key stages 1-2. This is because between the ages of 5 and 11, children tend to be very physically active, which could be dangerous for other children. By incorporating physical education as a core subject within these key stages, the national curriculum would enable children to develop a better understanding of health and safety. This is demonstrated by an Ofsted report, as it states that “a strength in both key phase 1 and 2 was that understanding of health and fitness was substantial” (Ofsted, 2009:8). For example...... middle of paper ......g Physical education would allow the child to increase their knowledge and experience other sports that they would have played if they had not had the chance. Whereas, if physical education was not included in the curriculum, teaching other subjects would be less interesting as practical learning would not really be a way of learning and health would be a very important issue for the nation if physical education was not was considered as a core subject within the curriculum. Works Cited Richard Bailey. (2006). Physical education and sport in schools: a review of benefits and outcomes. School Health Journal. 76 (8), 398 Ahmed, S (2005). Education and physical education. Delhi: Isha Books. 1.Ofsted, 2009. Physical education at school 2005/08: working towards 2012 and beyond. [pdf] London: Ofsted. Available at: www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/080249 [Accessed 1 April 2009].