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PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture

Physical education in schools is intended to facilitate the development of children's sound minds and bodies and to nurture in children the ability and attitude to enjoy sports throughout life. Therefore, physical education plays an important role in the overall educational activities of schools.

The revision of the Course of Study for elementary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools was made public in March 1989. With regard to physical and health education, the revision was made to enable children to conduct athletic activities voluntarily and independently, from the viewpoint of attaching importance to the promotion of physical education and sports for all as well as to improvement in physical strength. In parallel with the enforcement of the Course of Study, the Ministry made necessary amendments to the cumulative records on pupils in March 1991.

In order to heir schools improve instruction in physical education, the Ministry has been promoting the provision of better facilities for physical education, organizing various workshops and seminars, dispatching physical education and sports leaders to schools, and other programs. With a view to further enhancing activities of athletic clubs in schools. the Ministry has been promoting the dispatch of relevant experts to schools as athletic club leaders. the training of athletic club leaders and the designation of a number of pilot schools commissioned to conduct studies on athletic clubs in schools.