How do we grade PT class this year, wonder Mumbai school teachers

Physical education teachers have long demanded that the subject be made a core one. Representation Pic

One of the most important lessons of the pandemic is to ensure good health and fitness. Yet, school teachers of physical education are struggling to get due importance. Even as their demand to make it a core subject remains pending, they are now wondering about its fake as schools have been closed throughout the academic year.

Physical education is a graded subject for board examination and requires each student to appear for a written and practical exam. While schools in Mumbai and surrounding districts have remained closed, in other parts of the state, those that reopened shut down amid increasing COVID cases. Subjects teachers are complaining that since it is a graded subject, it is not a priority and as such is shrouded by confusion.

"After a thorough follow-up, we have been told by the state board that decisions on physical education assessments can be taken individually by school principals. But amid restrictions, which school management will take responsibility for children? For younger classes, we may be able to hold assessments online, but for board students, we need a proper assessment," said Hanmant Phadtare, a physical education teacher. He added that teachers have somehow kept the subject alive online but there's no alternative to traditional classes. Rajendra Kotkar, from the Physical Education Teachers' Organization, said, "We created dedicated audiovisual content to suit the changed platform. But the challenges due to limited access remain. This is why it is important to take cognisance of physical education while giving directives for board exams."

The organisation has been pressing to make physical education a core subject. Lately, the focus has been to make it and its assessment for board exams a priority.

The Maharashtra State Board's acting chairman Dinkar Patil said, "Wherever schools are open, these assessments can be conducted while adhering to precautions. However, since it is a graded subject, even in areas where schools remain closed, there should not be any worry as the assessment can be done later, whenever possible."