In conversation with PE, learning and school

Abstract

This paper is a constructed narrative of 4 voices, brought together in the form of a conversation to highlight their different experiences, perspectives and beliefs about Physical Education, learning and school life. An aim behind this dialogue
format is to promote a relaxed and accessible text but with powerful messages for change which may be all the clearer for this tactic in presentation style. The exchanges are from reflexive work in current PhD research projects, observation field notes and assorted personal reflections relevant to the themes in the title.
The paper concludes with a warning to PE to reconsider how it evidences its contribution to learning in school: ‘that whilst improvements in pupils’ physical fitness, health and wellbeing would be a happy concomitant to PE, the argument here does not suggest a lack of a ‘physical’ in Physical Education, but rather a lack of ‘education’, and a perilous one at that’.