Participants engrossed in the "Warm up Activity" at Dibrugarh, Assam

The CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education, India) has currently introduced Physical Education Cards (PEC) India, under British Council’s umbrella program, "International Inspirations" as a mandatory area in the primary classes. The uniqueness of this program is the integration of the academic curriculum with physical education.

Learning Links Foundation has taken the initiative to conduct PEC Training Workshops for teachers. With the objective of equipping the teachers with the necessary skills and expertise to implement and use PEC cards and equipment in their schools, LLF has the mandate to conduct a two day Deliverers Training Course for primary teachers through their lead and master trainers, aimed towards building a healthy and fit generation of children and initiating a trend of joyful learning.

The interactive workshop encourages teachers to understand the importance of ABC (Agility, Balance & Co-ordination) and how best to use the PEC cards and the equipment to enhance the teaching experience for children. Teachers are given a hands on experience to conduct Physical Education sessions using the PEC equipment and to get an understanding of the principles of inclusion through STEP (introducing variations in Space, Task, Equipment & People). LLF, through their Master and Lead Trainers has conducted various teacher training workshops for all primary teachers of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Delhi, Millennium School teachers at Chiranjiv Bharati School, Palam Vihar. Recently, Chandeep Marwah Master Trainer, LLF, conducted three workshops for training 80 SSA participants at Dibrugarh, Assam from 1st to 7th July, 2010 on behalf of UNICEF and British Council.

The concept though new to the teachers, has elicited a very positive response. The teachers felt that the inclusion of the PEC cards in the curriculum, offers support by introducing new teaching approaches and activities in the primary classes. Ms Pooja Kewlani, Junior School Coordinator, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya felt it was "An exhilarating, invigorating, educative, physical shake-up".

The PEC’s can also be used for providing interesting experiences to the children by facilitating the process of engaging with them in games and activities focused particularly on agility, balance, coordination, speed and strength. "Really enjoyed the workshop. It set our minds racing".

Ananya Dass Gupta, Primary Teacher, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya