Introduction
The Physical and Health Education (PHE) course in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is about much more than sports. It’s designed to help students understand the importance of physical activity, health, and well-being in leading balanced lives.
Through active participation, goal-setting, and reflection, students learn how physical and mental health are interconnected. This guide explores the structure, objectives, and skills developed in MYP PHE — a subject that empowers students to become active, healthy, and responsible global citizens.
What Is MYP Physical and Health Education?
Physical and Health Education in the MYP focuses on helping students make informed choices about their lifestyle and develop a lifelong commitment to physical well-being.
The course combines physical performance (such as movement skills, fitness, and games) with conceptual learning (understanding health, nutrition, teamwork, and emotional balance).
Its ultimate goal is to promote balanced development — encouraging students to be physically active, reflective, and aware of how health affects every area of life.
Aims of the Course
The aims of MYP PHE align with the IB mission to develop knowledgeable, caring, and balanced learners. The subject encourages students to:
- Understand and appreciate the importance of physical activity and health.
- Develop movement skills through a variety of physical activities.
- Set personal goals for fitness, nutrition, and well-being.
- Work collaboratively, demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship.
- Reflect on performance and the factors influencing health.
Through these aims, students not only improve physical ability but also develop confidence, empathy, and resilience.
The Structure of the PHE Curriculum
The MYP PHE curriculum blends theory and practice. Each unit connects physical activity to conceptual ideas, using inquiry-based learning — a core feature of all IB subjects.
For example, a unit on team games might explore the concept of communication, while a fitness unit might focus on balance or change. Students are encouraged to make connections between what they do on the field and what they learn in life.
Teachers design learning experiences around three main areas:
- Movement composition – coordination, rhythm, and balance through dance or gymnastics.
- Games and sports – strategy, collaboration, and fair play.
- Health education – nutrition, stress management, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Each area integrates both physical practice and reflective inquiry.
Key Concepts and Global Contexts
MYP PHE emphasizes concept-based learning — focusing on big ideas that connect across disciplines. Key concepts include:
- Change – adapting to physical challenges and personal growth.
- Relationships – teamwork, cooperation, and empathy.
- Communication – verbal and non-verbal strategies in team settings.
- Balance – maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health.
Global Contexts further connect the subject to real-world relevance. For example:
- Identities and Relationships: How do physical activities shape self-identity?
- Globalization and Sustainability: How can communities promote active lifestyles?
This ensures that physical education goes beyond sport, linking to wellness and social responsibility.
Assessment in MYP PHE
Assessment in Physical and Health Education is based on four criteria, each scored on a 0–8 scale.
Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding
Students demonstrate theoretical understanding of health concepts, physical principles, and fitness strategies.
Criterion B: Planning for Performance
Students design action plans or routines to improve personal or group performance.
Criterion C: Applying and Performing
This measures the ability to perform skills effectively in different physical contexts.
Criterion D: Reflecting and Improving Performance
Students evaluate their progress, reflect on feedback, and set new goals for improvement.
This approach values both learning through doing and learning through reflection, ensuring every student can succeed regardless of athletic ability.
Skills Developed in MYP PHE
The MYP PHE course helps students build essential Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills that extend beyond physical education. These include:
- Self-management: Setting goals, managing time, and maintaining personal health.
- Collaboration: Working effectively in teams, showing respect and leadership.
- Critical thinking: Analyzing performance data and making evidence-based improvements.
- Communication: Expressing feedback and ideas clearly in both verbal and non-verbal forms.
- Reflection: Evaluating effort, motivation, and outcomes to guide future growth.
These skills strengthen students’ overall well-being and academic performance.
The Role of Health Education
Health education in the MYP PHE curriculum provides students with knowledge about:
- Nutrition and energy balance.
- The effects of physical activity on body systems.
- Emotional and mental health.
- Substance use and prevention.
- Sleep and stress management.
By linking physical and mental wellness, MYP PHE encourages students to make informed lifestyle decisions and understand the consequences of their choices.
The Importance of Reflection and Balance
Reflection is a defining feature of MYP Physical and Health Education. Students regularly evaluate how their mindset, effort, and collaboration affect outcomes.
This reflective process helps them understand that fitness and health are lifelong journeys, not short-term achievements. It also reinforces the IB Learner Profile attributes of being balanced, reflective, and caring.
Conclusion
The Physical and Health Education course in the IB MYP goes beyond traditional gym class. It’s a holistic approach to well-being that combines physical activity, mental health, and reflective learning.
By focusing on inquiry, collaboration, and balance, MYP PHE helps students build lifelong habits that support fitness, happiness, and personal growth — preparing them to lead healthy, mindful, and balanced lives both inside and outside the classroom.
