Manitoba starts pilot making in-person gym mandatory for grades 11 and 12

The Manitoba government has announced a new mandatory in-person gym class for students in grades 11 and 12. This initiative is part of a pilot program set to begin in the fall and will eventually be rolled out to all schools starting in the 2027-28 school year. The move comes as part of a comprehensive health curriculum overhaul, which includes lessons on healthy eating habits, the impact of social media and artificial intelligence on mental health, and the risks associated with activities like using electric scooters and bikes.

The government aims to make Manitoba a leader in promoting physical health and well-being among young people. Education Minister Tracy Schmidt emphasized that the curriculum seeks to make physical activity and healthy living accessible to every child, regardless of their interests or abilities. The curriculum change marks the first update to the physical health curriculum in 25 years.

Currently, students in their final two years of high school have the option to fulfill their physical education requirements outside the classroom. However, the new mandatory classwork will provide them with knowledge, skills, and experiences to understand themselves, care for their health and well-being, build healthy relationships, and make informed decisions throughout their lives. Teachers and parents will have an opportunity to provide feedback during the pilot phase.