This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Primary school PE in focus
07/12/2001
The quality of learning and teaching in physical
education in primary schools is generally good, according
to a report from HM Inspectorate of Education published
today.
However, only in about one third of schools could the
physical education programme be described as very good.
The schools with very good programmes often used
flexible curriculum time to ensure a minimum of two
physical education sessions of around 40 minutes weekly for
pupils, the report found. They provided broad and balanced
programmes which included games, sports, gymnastics, dance
and swimming. Programmes in these schools often extended
beyond the school day. The headteacher and senior staff
played a key role.
In schools where visiting specialist teachers of
physical education were deployed, they made an effective
contribution to the curriculum.
The report highlights the need to raise expectations of
what pupils achieve in physical education and to assess
their achievements against national standards. Around 60%
of schools visited for good practice had important
weaknesses in assessing pupils' work. Teachers needed to
improve assessment significantly, giving pupils better
feedback to improve their performance. Provision for
meeting pupils' learning needs had important weaknesses in
25% of these schools.
Commenting on the report, HM Senior Chief Inspector
Douglas Osler said:
"All young people should benefit from a positive
experience of physical education. Experience in the primary
school years is of critical importance. This will help them
to have confidence in their capabilities and to choose
activities which match their needs and interests.
"Physical education which aims to develop motivation,
competence, excellence and active participation should be
central in promoting an active lifestyle. Raising
achievement in physical education will help more pupils
develop their physical talents to the full.
"This report shows evidence of good practice in PE in
some schools but there is much still to be done to raise
standards and broaden pupils' experience."
The HMI report draws on extensive evidence from
the inspection programme in primary schools between January
1997 and June 2000. It also incorporates evidence from an
additional 40 primary schools in 18 education authorities
inspected specifically to identify and describe good
practice. Since these schools were recommended by their
education authorities as examples of good practice in
physical education, they are not necessarily representative
of all Scottish schools.
Media copies of the report '
Improving Physical Education in Primary Schools'
are available from David Bilton on 0131 244 0650 or on the
HMIE website:
www.scotland.gov.uk/hmie