Primary physical education but not of primary importance – secondary PE teachers perceptions of the role of primary PE

ABSTRACT

Primary and Secondary schools have been identified as key environments for the promotion of lifelong physical activity, through the provision of Physical Education (PE) classes, although concerns have been raised over the quality of provision and delivery at primary school level and a child’s subsequent transition to the Secondary school environment. This study therefore investigated Secondary PE teacher’s perceptions of how young pupils are prepared for Secondary school PE and identified several key themes that influenced this. In conclusion, several eminent themes were identified which suggested that Secondary PE teachers were extremely dismissive and untrusting of the current Primary PE curriculum. However, the study also suggested that Primary PE teachers required considerable support and guidance and there was a need for greater partnership and collaboration.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical education
• primary school
• secondary school
• transition
• curriculum

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).