Physical Education

- is an educational course related to the physique of the human body.

This program is designed for students who want to make rapid progress in Modern Greek language and
deepen their knowledge of Greece and its culture. It offers an intensive language course for beginner,
intermediate and advanced level. The course is 40 hours, divided into 10 days, and includes grammar,
reading, speaking, and writing. It also provides an insight into Greek culture and civilization. Special
courses of Modern Greek Literature and Culture and of Ancient Greek
are offered on request. Our Greek teachers are qualified, specialized
and experienced in teaching Greek as a foreign language. Moreover
the course is combined with lectures, outdoor activities and various
tours helping students become more familiar with contemporary Greek
culture.
This summer We Learn Modern Greek at Chios, Homers island.
Together we will discover its ancient and medieval history, the
Byzantine mosaics of Nea Moni and Genoese castles and mansions.
We will discover the aroma of a special resin called masticha, the main
ingredient of a variety of products such as chewing gum, liqueurs and chemicals, we will taste new dishes
and we will enjoy crystal-clear beaches and the incomparable beauty of this unique island.

Physical Fitness
is a general state of health and well-being and, more specifically, the ability to perform aspects
of sports or

occupations.

Physical

fitness

is generally

achieved

through

correct nutrition,

[1] moderate-vigorous physical activity,[2] exercise and rest.[3] It is a set of attributes or

characteristics seen in people and which relate to the ability to perform
a given set of physical activities.
Before the industrial revolution, fitness was the capacity to carry out the
days activities without undue fatigue. However with automation and
changes in lifestylesphysical fitness is now considered a measure of the
body's ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure
activities, to be healthy, to resisthypokinetic diseases, and to meet
emergency situations.

COMPONENTS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS

Health Related components: Those factors that are related to how well the systems of your body work
1. Cardiovascular Fitness: The ability of the circulatory system (heart and blood vessels) to supply
oxygen to working muscles during exercise.
2. Body Composition: The relative percentage of body fat compared to lean body mass (muscle,
bone, water,etc)
3. Flexibility: The range of movement possible at various joints.
4. Muscular strength: The amount of force that can be produced by a single contraction of a muscle
5. Muscular endurance: The ability of a muscle group to continue muscle movement over a length
of time.
Skill Related Components: Those aspects of fitness which form the basis for successful sportor activity
participation.
1.Speed: The ability to move quickly from one point to another in a straight line
2.Agility: The ability of the body to change direction quickly
3.Balance: The ability to maintain an upright posture while still or moving

4.Coordination: Integration with hand and/or foot movements with the input of the senses.
5.Reaction Time: Amount of time it takes to get moving.
6.Power: The ability to do strength work at an explosive pace.

Importance of Physical Education

High

quality physical education can encourage young people to develop knowledge, understanding and skills across a
range of physical education, sport and health enhancing experiences. More than that, it can develop in them the desire and
commitment to continue to enjoy, improve and achieve in line with their own personal capacities throughout their lifetime
(HMIE, 2008).
In more than a few primary and secondary schools, physical education experiences are not part of a well planned
curricular framework but are often mainly opportunities for physical activity and recreation. Such opportunities are not
always fully developing pupils skills and understanding in a way that will allow them to become more successful and
confident learners (HMIE, 2008).
Key to physical educations contribution to developing responsible citizens is the promotion of respect for the
involvement of others Through participation in physical education and other physical activities, pupils can be
encouraged to take more of a part in the social, cultural and sporting life of the school (HMIE, 2008).
NikeGO PE event highlighted a curriculum called new PE, which delivers 30 minutes of constant physical activity in
schools, ensuring that kids no longer have to stand in line for a turn or participate in elimination games NikeGO PE
provides elementary schools with tools to build a smart and effective approach to physical education, including a unique
curriculum, teacher training and equipment" (Nike Raises Awareness of the Importance of Physical Education in Los
Angeles Schools Through..., 2007)
Children spend a considerable amount of time in school, and schools are a powerful motivator for helping them adopt
healthy lifestyles. Several studies demonstrate school-based PE programs are one of the most effective ways to
facilitate activity in our youth (Nike Raises Awareness of the Importance of Physical Education in Los Angeles Schools
Through..., 2007).
Nike seeks to increase the quality and quantity of PE in schools. The realities of the times we live in demand that we
strengthen physical education in our schools and ultimately bring full-time PE, taught by PE specialists, back to every
school in the United States (Nike Raises Awareness of the Importance of Physical Education in Los Angeles Schools
Through..., 2007).
Properly implemented physical education has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on the fitness levels and
motor skill development of students, and such education may lead to the habituation of lifelong physical activity
(Southern California Elementary Physical Education Specialists and Non- Specialists: Beliefs and Behaviors of the
Ideal Purpose and Actual Function of Elementary Physical Education, 2004)
Certified PE specialists provide more PE and higher quality PE than classroom teachers (Physical Education
Matters, 2007).
Professional development in activity-focused PE should be one of the highest priorities for improving PE, because of
substantial evidence for its effectiveness. Professional development is particularly needed for the classroom teachers,
who continue to be the main instructors of PE in elementary schools (Physical Education Matters, 2007).
Physical education specialists during critical developmental years at the elementary level is vital for developing the
skills, knowledge, attitude and health benefits for an active, healthy lifestyle. (Mandigo, 2003)
Non-physical education specialists reported lower levels of confidence, enjoyment, preparation and knowledge and
less professional development opportunities than physical education specialists. (Mandigo, 2003)
Principals may be more inclined to devote more time in their schools to physical education if it is taught by a
specialist. (Mandigo, 2003)
The nature and quality of delivery of the physical education curriculum are fundamental to the future of the subject.
(Hardman & Marshall, 2000)
Physical education teachers can also have a direct impact by developing more opportunities for physical activity
throughout the school day. (McKenzie, Marshall, Sallis & Conway, 2000)
Quality physical education also requires qualified teacherspotential safety issues. (Principal magazine, 2003)
A physical education teacher plays an important role in guiding students to explore. (Chen & Cone, 2003)
UNESCO Charter for Physical Education & Sport, Article 4, advocates that personnel professionally responsible for
physical education and sport should be appropriately qualified, having adequate levels of specialization. (Hardman &
Marshall, 2000)