Vietnam Primary School Grade 5: Physical Education

Physical Education is a compulsory subject in the Vietnamese primary school curriculum. It aims to develop students' physical fitness, motor skills, and sportsmanship.

Curriculum Overview

The Grade 5 Physical Education curriculum is part of Phase 2 of the primary curriculum, which also includes Grade 4. In addition to Physical Education, other subjects taught in this phase include Vietnamese Language, Mathematics, Morality (Civics), Science, History, Geography, and Arts. Physical education is considered an important part of Vietnam's education development strategy. Some schools may offer two physical education lessons per week with a specialist teacher.

Curriculum Focus

The curriculum emphasizes a balance of skills, concepts, game activities, rhythms, and dance experiences to enhance students' physical, mental, and social well-being. Activities may include invasion games, focusing on passing and possession skills. Studies have examined the correlation between psychosocial and environmental factors and physical activity among fifth-grade students in Vietnam. Research has also been conducted on physical activity levels and implementation barriers in fifth-grade physical education programs.

Recent Developments

The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) has issued guidance on physical education, sports activities, and school health tasks for the 2024-2025 academic year. A 2022 report card on physical activity in Vietnam provides an assessment of community and government-led initiatives. A study evaluated the effectiveness of the Brainballs program on the physical fitness of 2nd-grade students at a primary school in Vietnam. Another study explored physical education in elementary school from the teachers' perspective.