The continuing development of primary sector physical education: Working together to raise quality of provision

Abstract

This paper sets out to provide further insight as to the reasons why many schools within the primary sector continue to find it difficult to ensure quality provision for physical education (PE) and school sport. It examines why class teachers, including the subject coordinator, possess concerns about teaching PE. It asks the question of who is actually best placed for teaching primary school PE and looks at how working together in partnership can support primary and subsequently secondary school PE curricula. Results from this study reinforce existing research in this area, namely that lack of personal subject knowledge and availability of training opportunities still affect quality of provision. Findings indicate that the majority of class teachers within schools sampled wish to retain a prominent role in providing quality PE experiences. While external specialist support is welcomed many primary sector teachers would resent being placed on the periphery of teaching PE.