Accreditation in Physical Education: Meeting the needs and interests of pupils in key stage 4

These comments by the former UK minister for sport outlined the government challenge for teachers of PE and sport in secondary schools. Many of the initiatives that have been developed at key stage 4 are reflective of the dramatic increase in the number of pupils currently taking examination and leadership qualifications in PE. This chapter discusses the opportunities for teachers in guiding all pupils towards nationally accredited courses in PE and considers the implications of this type of approach to learning and teaching. Moreover, the chapter asks some critical questions concerning the revised National Curriculum for Physical Education (NCPE 2000) in England (DfEE/QCA 1999) and whether accredited courses in PE can encompass a more inclusive approach for pupils in key stage 4 (ages 14-16) compared with more conventional types of provision.