In India (mostly in Chennai), PE periods (mostly 4 hours per week, as two occasions, mid of week) is much sought after time by students in high school level. After noon classes, when teachers are unavailable are also used for PE.

Dear Dr.Krishnan ,

Thanks for answer , due to my previous experience  , P.E periods are always  used by other teachers to teach their own subjects . I think if P.E is an examination subject that wont be happening in our schools .

Physical Education

Physical Education is an integral part of Scholastic Assessment. The students are to be assessed in physical education based on the following indicators.

1.Physical fitness

2.Initiative and interest

3.Proficiency

4.Following the rules of the game

5.Sportsmanship

https://kalvisolai.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/upper-english-cce11.pdf

Oluwaseyi:

The introduction of physical education as a core subject can "curb" the use of PE period for other subjects in our schools as well as the "sedentary" lifestyle of today's digital natives. They would all be better for it both academically and physically as their would be more oxygen going to their brains that aids thinking processes.

Many thanks,

Debra

Dear Debra , 

Thank you so much for your great answer to this question . the word "sedentary"  that you mentioned in your answer ,that is exactly the outcome of not having P.E in our local schools today .Children sitting at home playing video games ,watching cartoons or just sitting by the window and eating anything they could lay their hands on when they are at home .

Nowadays, you hardly see children at the park running around . There are several publication on the effects of physical inactivity ,that physical inactivity is an important contributing factor in the maintenance of childhood obesity .

Of-course ,if P.E is a core subject in our schools today ,whatever skills the children learn in school ,they will come to the park to practice with there friends rather than sitting indoor playing internet and video games and watching cartoons .

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=187368&resultclick=1