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Abstract
The concept of physical literacy (PL) has been suggested as one that can offer a catalyst for a new emphasis in physical education (PE). In the broadest sense, a physically literate child is confident, active, and can maintain health enhancing physical activity (PA) for life. PL includes engagement in PA, physical competence, and PA motivation, confidence, knowledge and understanding. The purpose of this study is to investigate the levels of PL in Irish adolescents. As part of a larger study data were collected from 535 (12.78 ± .42 years) adolescents across 20 schools, to measure physical activity, physical competence, and psychological correlates of physical activity. Less than half of participants are accumulating the minimum of 60 minutes of PA daily required for health (49% males, 26% females). Data highlight that Irish youth are performing ‘below par’ across the domains of PL, with cardiovascular fitness (45% of males and 67% of females reaching ‘optimal’ target) and self-efficacy (53% of males and 46% of females reaching ‘optimal’ target) of greatest concern. Findings are discussed in the context of the need for a targeted direction in post-primary PE in Irish schools to increase levels of PL in Irish adolescents.
Notes on contributors
Dr Sarahjane Belton is a Researcher and Associate Professor of Physical Education at Dublin City University. She graduated from the University of Limerick with a Doctorate in Physical Activity Measurement. Her main research interests include physical activity, physical literacy and health literacy in children and young people, with a particular focus on school based programming, intervention, and intervention evaluation.
Dr. Johann Issartel is a Researcher and Associate Professor in Children Motor Development and Physical Education at Dublin City University (DCU). He completed his M.Sc and Ph.D in Human Movement Science at the University of Montpellier (France). His research interests include the evaluation of children motor development and its determinants, intervention design and deployment along side health and physical literacy.
Dr. Bronagh McGrane is a Researcher and Assistant Professor in Education (Physical Education) at the Institute of education, Dublin City University (DCU). She completed both her undergraduate degree (BSc in Physical Education with Biology) and PhD at DCU. Her research interests include the assessment and development of fundamental movement skills, school based interventions, physical activity and well being.
Dr Danielle Powell, is the current Course Leader for Level 6 BAH Physical Education in Leeds Beckett University. Danielle is Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy on the Physical Education and Physical Education with Outdoor Education degrees. Danielle is an early years researcher. She completed both her undergraduate in Physical Education and Biology and PhD, in Dublin City University, Ireland in the School of Health and Human Performance. Danielle is passionate about physical activity promotion in children and adolescents and fundamental movement skill development.
Dr. Wesley O'Brien, is the current Programme Director for the B.Ed Sports Studies, and Physical Education Programme, in the School of Education, at University College Cork (UCC). Wesley is a Lecturer in Physical Education and Coaching Science, and his expertise lie within childhood movement, and physical activity promotion. He is currently supervising postgraduate research in the fields of physical education, wellbeing, motor competence, childhood physical activity, physical literacy and sport participation.