Students play a game in a physical education class in Changchun, Jilin Province, northeast China, on September 5 (XINHUA)

In the future, schools should reduce students' academic burden and leave time for physical exercise, a Ministry of Education (MOE) official said at a press conference on September 22. He said teachers should assign physical activity-related homework to make sure students acquire sports skills.

According to the conference, physical education reform in schools should prioritize health knowledge and basic sports skills. Like math and foreign languages, students should also practice what they learn in physical education classes after school.

The General Administration of Sports of China and MOE will collaborate to boost physical education and improve students' health at all levels. The two departments will organize events for students, further reform sports schools, and build sports teams at colleges and universities to select and cultivate sports talent.

The health of students in China has improved in recent years, with physical education in school playing a significant role in that process. But the situation could be better if resources from the sports administration and MOE could be integrated.

To make it happen, the two departments released a document on September 21, reaffirming the idea of "health comes first" and agreeing to develop physical education and students' health.

Schools should ensure physical education teachers prepare lessons that are scientifically organized. Also, they need to give feedback with incentives. Parents should cooperate with schools and help students finish their sports homework.

This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in Beijing Youth Daily on September 24

(Print Edition Title: Physical Education)