~ 244 ~ International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health 2024; 11(3): 244-251 P-ISSN: 2394-1685 E-ISSN: 2394-1693 Impact Factor (RJIF): 5.38 IJPESH 2024; 11(3): 244-251 © 2024 IJPESH https://www.kheljournal.com Received: 06-02-2024 Accepted: 10-03-2024 Kerry C Dollaway Centre for Kinesiology, Physical Education and Sport, University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Kyle Hannays Centre for Kinesiology, Physical Education and Sport, University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Joel Paul Centre for Kinesiology, Physical Education and Sport, University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Marlon Melville Centre for Kinesiology, Physical Education and Sport, University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Corresponding Author: Kerry C Dollaway Centre for Kinesiology, Physical Education and Sport, University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago The importance of physical education and sport in primary (Elementary) school Kerry C Dollaway, Kyle Hannays, Joel Paul and Marlon Melville DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/kheljournal.2024.v11.i3d.3348 Abstract Aim and Scope: This paper analyzes the importance of physical education and sport in primary (elementary) school. Traditionally, physical education has been ascribed less value than other subject areas within an educational context. However, recent research has revealed that physical education plays a vital role in providing a well-rounded education. Physical education and sports are associated with a wide range of benefits. Firstly, physical education promotes overall physical and emotional health of primary school children. Additionally, physical education provides an opportunity for social growth and increased cultural competence among primary school children. Further, it fosters cognitive competence, leading to improved performance in examinations. Finally, physical education at the primary school level instills a positive lifestyle among students, encouraging them to adopt healthy habits throughout adulthood. In addition to these benefits, this paper delves into the pitfalls of taking children out of physical education during examination preparation, underscores the critical role of instructors in delivering physical education, and highlights the significance of having adequately trained and qualified educators in teaching physical education and sports lessons. Keywords: Physical education, sports, primary school, academic performance, health, social wellbeing, educators Introduction The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization has classified education as a fundamental human right (UNESCO, 2023) [25] . This classification of education has been accepted by most countries worldwide. In Trinidad and Tobago, access to primary education is compulsory, a fact which stresses its perceived importance. The twin island Republic also offers free tuition up to university education, a practice which has propelled her to achieve a literacy rating which exceeds 98% (Freeman, 2022) [6] . Broadly, education encompasses what is learned in classrooms, such as mathematics, languages, and sciences. Physical Education (PE) however, despite being one of the subject areas in education, has traditionally been regarded as less important than the other classroom subjects. Notwithstanding the above, advocacy for greater emphasis to be placed on physical education within the educational context has continued to increase. This is because physical education and sports are essential to the development of all students, including those in primary (elementary) school. The government of Trinidad and Tobago has continued to echo the importance of physical education in its school system. Through the Physical Education and Sport Division (PESD), the government has continuously facilitated the development of physical education and sport (Government of Trinidad and Tobago, 2020) [10] . This paper, split into four sections, will discuss the importance of physical education and sports in primary school children. The first section of this paper analyzes the benefits of physical education and sports in primary school students; physical education has been associated with students' health, social, academic, and behavioral benefits. The paper's second section analyzes the errors in taking children out of sports and PE as they prepare for examinations; parents usually take their children out of PE and sports during examinations. While this practice is intended to increase the time spent in preparation for examinations, thus improving performance, research shows that taking a break from PE is counterproductive to performance in examinations.