Revamping Physical Education in Ukraine

An open forum on the reform of physical education has taken place in Ukraine. Organized by the Ministry of Education and Science, the Small Academy of Sciences, JuniorS, and UNIT.City, this event marked a significant step within the framework of the «Education for Life» policy. Experts gathered to discuss new teaching approaches in physical education.

Nadiia Kuzmychova, Deputy Minister of Education, opened the event, emphasizing the need to adapt physical education to new realities, particularly amid the ongoing war and pandemic. She noted that the results of the discussions would be incorporated into the physical education concept to be published in spring 2025. A pilot project with a new curriculum will commence in the fall of 2025 for fifth graders across three areas: arts, technology, and natural sciences.

The forum featured two panel discussions. The first, titled «Goals of Physical Education», was moderated by Olexandr Pedan, who facilitated a Q&A session with Nadiia Kuzmychova and Serhii Tymofiev, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports.

«Physical education in educational institutions is the foundation of a healthy future. It is not merely about lessons but about inspiring every child to move. Education should consider individual differences, which aligns with the spirit of the New Ukrainian School reform», stated Nadiia Kuzmychova.

The second panel discussion focused on «The Portrait of a Graduate: How Should Physical Education Prepare Children for Life in a Changing World?». Participants included:

• Kyrylo Yevtushenko — managing partner at Unit.city;
• Olexandr Sekirin — founder of the All Stars Dance School;
• Maria Pavlichuk — co-founder of JuniorS.

Experts stressed the importance of a practical approach to physical education, ensuring students acquire knowledge on staying active in today's world, forming lifelong healthy habits, and finding sport activities that inspire them.

After the panel discussions, forum participants formed groups to work on specific solutions for updating physical education, sharing their professional experiences.

The physical education roundtable is part of a broader consultation process that includes surveys of educators, parents, and students. The Ministry plans to hold similar meetings for each educational sector, which can be joined via the website educationforlife.mon.gov.ua in the «Who is it for?» section.