New Guidance – Old Challenges: The future of Physical Education in England.

Abstract

This chapter describes the context of Physical Education in England and the challenges the subject faces in light of the country’s health and cost of living crises. Initially we outline the precarious position of Physical Education, highlighting the ongoing debate about its role in society. We then present an overview of England’s present National Curriculum for Physical Education and its influence and coverage across the whole school sector. Following this exposition, we offer insight into the context in which PE now operates. We outline the worrying children’s health and wellbeing data and how the legacy of Brexit and the Pandemic are impacting children’s physical activity levels and Physical Education experiences. We then present a general overview of how England is responding, with a particular focus on the UK Government’s New Non-Statutory Guidance for Physical Education. We describe and critique the main focus areas of embedding the value and culture of PE into the school ethos, securing 2 hours of curriculum time per week, and providing a more inclusive offer to all pupils. We identify the danger that limited attention on these three areas presents to schools and Physical Education teachers in particular. Alternative focus and ideas are considered as well as their potential barriers to implementation. Finally, we conclude with a call to action that highlights meaningful change will only be possible if we understand our subject more fully, are clear on its purpose, and have unconditional support from the Government to make future directives legally binding.