Research and reports: Physical education

The Department for Children, Schools and Families 2006/07 School Sport Survey collected information about levels of participation in physical education and school sport. The survey found that overall 86% of pupils in schools within the School Sport Partnership Programme participated in at least two hours of high quality PE and out-of-hours school sport in a typical week.

An article by Mike McNamee discussing the philosophical nature and values of physical education; the knowledge and the values that are inherent within its activities and those external ones which can be gained from them. (PDF document).

A study by John Moore University (Liverpool) which assesses physical education's contribution to young people's physical activity levels. The findings were considered in relation to recommended levels of physical activity to ascertain whether PE lessons can be effective in helping young people meet health-related goals.

People with low skill levels are far more likely to be unemployed, and unemployment is a major factor in deprivation. PE, sport and physical activity can contribute towards raising educational standards and aspirations within both a school and community setting. This document includes an overview and a variety of case studies addressing this topic.

Read more about the Basic Moves programme in this article by Mike Jess, Kay Dewar and Gordon Fraser, published by the British Journal of Teaching Physical Education. (PDF document).

A downloadable Word version of 'Physical Activity and Basic Movement Development in Early Childhood: A Review of Literature' by Mike Jess, Edinburgh University. It aims to inform all those involved in young children’s physical activity and basic movement development about current understanding of the issues in this area and presents recommendations for the future of young children's physical activity and basic movement development.

A report highlighting swimming provision in schools and sharing best practice in swimming through case studies within schools and Education Authorities. The report also raises awareness of the barriers to local swimming provision.

A report on the inactive lifestyles of young people and the potential of sport in an educational setting as a means of addressing this issue. This study is comprehensive, drawing on research and statistics from a number of countries to provide a European-wide perspective.