Analyzing the Influence of Gym Class Grades on Student GPA: A Study

This essay critically examines the debate surrounding the inclusion of gym class grades in a student's overall GPA. The author argues that gym class grades should not affect a student's GPA, primarily because academic performance should be the primary determinant of a student's grade point average, and because physical abilities can vary significantly. The essay highlights that a student's GPA should not be negatively impacted by a lack of physical prowess or physical disabilities, and that the current system might disadvantage students who are not naturally athletic or who have physical limitations. It also touches upon the counterargument that physical activity can improve academic performance but ultimately concludes that including gym class grades in the GPA is unfair and may hinder students' opportunities for higher education. The essay references research that supports its claims and underscores the importance of fair assessment practices in education.

Running head: SHOULD GRADES IN GYM CLASS AFFECT STUDENT’S GPA?
SHOULD GRADES IN GYM CLASS AFFECT STUDENT’S GPA?
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

1SHOULD GRADES IN GYM CLASS AFFECT STUDENT’S GPA?
Physical activity and education go hand in hand for a student in his school life. Various
schools across the globe use GPA or grade point average to assess their students on their
academic ability. An equal weightage is given to each subject. However, it is a topic of debate
that whether the grades in gym class should be included in the GPA or not. The paper aims to
establish that grades in gym class should not affect a student’s grade point average. The paper
will discuss how grades should be given based on the academic skills of the students, the
problems of those who are not physically able followed by a counter argument.
A student goes to school or college to learn and educate himself in order to be successful
in his future. Indeed physical education is important to keep one’s body healthy and stay fit
however, it does not help the student in any major way. A student’s GPA should not be included
in his overall grade point average. The first reason supporting this argument is that the grades
that a student gets in subjects like mathematics, English, science and other social sciences help
the student in every way to get admission in his or her choice of college or university (Cooles,
Miscilda and Agnes Laville). However, his excellency in his academics could suffer because of
his incapability to perform well in gym class and this in turn can decrease his chances of getting
into the college of his choice. The school activities should be designed in such a way that it helps
every kind of student to succeed in his future endeavors.
Secondly, the fact that some individuals are naturally athletic that makes them better at
all kinds of sports. This can give them an unfair advantage over those who cannot perform well.
Moreover, those students who are physically unfit or disabled cannot participate in the gym
classes are at a disadvantage. Such students would not be able to participate and as a result their
grades would be low (Carnagio et al.). Such students should not suffer because of their
disabilities and appreciated more in school due to their hardwork in academics.

2SHOULD GRADES IN GYM CLASS AFFECT STUDENT’S GPA?
In counter argument, it could be highlighted that there are benefits of having more and
more students participate in gym class. Many research studies have shown that actual
participation in the physical activities enhances a student’s efficiency in academics (Hughes).
However, the chances of those students who are overweight should be hampered due to their
inability to perform well in gym class. Having a good physical shape should not be included in
the criteria of gaining higher GPA.
Therefore, in conclusion it can be said that the above arguments identify the problems
that the students face when the grades of gym class are added in the overall GPA of a student.
Hence, to give a fair opportunity to each and every student, it is beneficial that the grades of gym
class should not be added to the GPA.

3SHOULD GRADES IN GYM CLASS AFFECT STUDENT’S GPA?
References
Carnagio, Joe, et al. "The Relationship Between Exercise and GPA for College Students." ACE
471 Fall 2016 (2016).
Cooles, Philip E., Miscilda Harrigan-Vital, and Agnes Laville. "Student performance and
grading changes in a systems-based curriculum." Medical education online 19.1 (2014):
23165.
Hughes, Adam Michael. The impact of involvement in school-based athletic programs on grade
point averages. Diss. Carson-Newman University, 2018.