The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has initiated an open expert dialogue regarding the modernization of physical education. This event was co-organized with the Small Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, JuniorS, UNIT.City, and the NGO 'Education 360' under the initiative 'Education for Life', reinforcing the New Ukrainian School (NUSH) reform. The Ministry gathered specialists to discuss new methodologies in teaching physical education.
Opening remarks were made by Nadia Kuzmychova, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, who emphasized the need to adapt physical education to contemporary challenges, including the ongoing war and the pandemic's impact. She noted that the outcomes of the meeting will be incorporated into the new concepts of the educational field 'Physical Culture', which are set to be published in spring 2025. Pilot implementation of the updated curriculum will begin in fall 2025 for fifth-grade students across three educational fields: arts, technology, and natural sciences. Additionally, workshops and laboratories for primary schools will be updated as part of the initiative.
The program included two panel discussions. The first, on the topic 'The Purpose of Physical Culture', was moderated by Oleksandr Pedan, who conducted a Q&A session with teachers featuring Deputy Minister Nadia Kuzmychova and Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Serhiy Tymofeev.
'Physical culture in educational institutions is not just a lesson; it is the foundation of a healthy future. It should be about inclusivity, not in terms of numbers, but about inspiring each student to engage in movement. Not everyone may meet standards due to individual differences, but education must consider individuality, revealing each child's strengths, which aligns with the spirit of NUSH reform. When we talk about physical culture, we talk about shaping a person who values their health,' stated Nadia Kuzmychova.
The second panel discussion focused on the theme 'The Graduate Profile: How Should Physical Education Prepare Children for Life in a Changing World?'. Participants included:
- Kyrylo Yevtushenko – Managing Partner at Unit.city;
- Oleksandr Sekirin – Founder of the 'All Stars' Dance School;
- Maria Pavlichuk – Co-founder of the NGO 'JuniorS'.
Experts stressed the importance of a practical approach to physical education so that students gain knowledge on how to remain active in today's world, develop healthy lifelong habits, and discover sports or activities that inspire them.
After the panel discussions, attendees joined groups to work on specific solutions for renewing physical education and shared their professional experiences.
The physical education circle is part of a broader consultation process that includes surveys of educators, parents, and students. The Ministry plans to hold additional meetings across all educational fields, which can be joined through the website educationforlife.mon.gov.ua in the section 'For Whom?'.