What minimum weekly level of structured physical exercise (a) primary and (b) secondary schools are expected to provide for pupils; how it …

Guidance on the curriculum recommends one hour's physical exercise per week for all pupils up to the age of 16. The Scottish Executive has encouraged schools to promote physical exercise in recent years through a range of sport scotland initiatives which include: the TOPS programmes (resources for schools and training for teachers), the Active Primary Schools programme (being piloted in a number of education authorities) and the School Sport Co-ordinator programme (currently in over half of secondaries). Schools and local authorities also have to implement the national priorities for education, which were approved by the Scottish Parliament. These priorities stress the need to teach pupils respect for self and to equip them with the attitudes necessary to prosper in a changing society. Physical exercise and education can play a central part in making these priorities a reality.Local authorities are expected to have plans on the implementation of the national priorities in place by December 2001. Schools must do so by June 2002.