Running a field or running a programme? Issues confronting physical education in primary schools today

Abstract

This article raises issues about the teaching of physical education in New Zealand primary schools today. These include (i) provision of resources, (ii) media influence, (iii) curriculum squeeze, and (iv) changing society. With an apparent undermining of physical education in primary school programmes and the imminent implementation of a new curriculum document that integrates Physical Education and Health Education there is a need to acknowledge these issues. This article aims to promote discussion of the issues amongst teachers, teacher educators and pre-service teachers.