More Than a Century of Leadership

Physical education and sport have always been integral to the University of Toronto. Co-curricular athletics and recreation began in the mid-19th century. The University initiated academic study in physical education with a diploma program in 1900, created an undergraduate degree in 1940 and graduate degrees in 1964.

Throughout much of the 20th century, undergraduate students in every faculty and college were requited to take courses in physical education. Research began in step with the degree programs and intensified in the 1970s. These activities, which drew inspiration and leaders from each other, now provide the basis for today’s Faculty of Physical Education and Health.

Milestones
2007 – In September, the Faculty admits students to its new Concurrent Teachers Education Program (CTEP) in collaboration with the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE). The five-year program will allow students to simultaneously complete BPHE and OISE/UT courses and graduate with both their professional teacher qualification for teaching at the Intermediate/Senior level and a Bachelors degree in Physical and Health Education/Kinesiology.

2006 – Phase one of construction the new 5,000 seat Varsity Centre construction is almost complete. In December the air-supported, 18 metre-high dome is inflated for the first time, allowing athletes to play a range of sports, including indoor soccer, field hockey, ultimate frisbee, flag football and lacrosse during the winter months on a state-of-the-art FIFA 2-star rated turf.

2004 – After extensive deliberation and consultation between the Faculty, students, staff and university officials, Varsity Stadium is demolished.

1998 – The School of Physical Education and Health merges with the Department of Athletics and Recreation, which provided co-curricular programs, services, and facilities to U of T, and the Graduate Program in Exercise Sciences became a department within the Faculty. The idea was to create a ‘teaching health centre’ in which research, teaching and practice are closely linked to the benefit of both students in the Faculty’s degree programs, and other U of T students.

1979 – The School of Physical and Health Education assumes responsibility for the Graduate Program in Applied Physiology (from the School of Hygiene) and changed the name to Exercise Sciences.

1940 – U of T becomes the first university in the British Empire to offer a specialized three-year degree program in Physical and Health Education. Six men and eleven women began the course in September.

1900 – The University of Toronto establishes a three-year diploma course in Gymnastics and Physical Drill to meet the demand for qualified teachers, professional youth workers, and community leaders.