According to Dr. John Ratey, “Exercise creates the optimal environment for the brain to create new brain cells and to protect and build the existing ones.” Hence, if ISM students want to improve their academic performance, they must exercise more. One subject that allows students to exercise on a regular basis is Physical Education, and more and more schools have made this subject a graduation requirement on the basis of Dr. Ratey’s research.
Luckily, the International School of Manila is a school that takes these positive outcomes into consideration and makes PE mandatory for all grade 9 and 10 students. Students receive a foundational course in grade 9 and then in grade 10, they may choose from the three courses: Lifetime Activities, Teams Sports, and Personal Fitness. All three PE classes allow students to partake in regular weekly exercise and temporarily take their minds off other pressing work, while increasing brain power. Rafael Esguerra, a grade 10 student in Team Sports, states “that it is the only class when I can get my mind off all my school work and just work out with my friends.” With the recent change in the curriculum that allows upperclassmen to take Team Sports and Lifetime Activities, and Sophomores to take Personal Fitness, it is likely that students will be able to take more PE classes in the years to come.
Article by: AJ O’Regan-Brown, 10
Photographs by: Jenna Child
