An Inclusive National Curriculum? The Experience of Adolescent Girls

Abstract

This paper discusses adolescent girls’ experiences of selected aspects of national curriculum physical education (PE) against the background of the introduction of the new national curriculum order which emphasises inclusivity. It draws upon data from quantitative and qualitative research and concludes that changes in the organisation of the curriculum together with changes in teacher attitude are both needed if an inclusive curriculum is to become a reality. Our findings suggest that the diversity of views about appropriate physical activities for adolescent girls held by students and teachers presents a complex challenge to schools attempting to cater for the needs and interests of all. We also conclude that the significance of contextual factors for the quality of girls’ experience remains underestimated and is as important as the activities themselves in the promotion of a genuinely inclusive curriculum.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anne Williams

Anne Williams is with the School of Education, King Alfred's College, Winchester, UK. Julie Bedward and Jeremy Woodhouse are with the School of Education, University of Birmingham, UK.