ABSTRACT
The term Physical Education is vague and the reasons for its inclusion in the National Curriculum are complex. Schools and teachers place differing values on its inclusion. For many primary schools it is still seen as a time to ‘let off steam’, ‘to get some fresh air’ or ‘to have a rest from academic subjects’. In this chapter I will use the term physical education (PE) to include all areas of physical activity that are included in the National Curriculum for Physical Education. These include games activities, gymnastics, dance, athletics, outdoor and adventurous activity, and swimming. In some schools, dance is placed within the expressive arts and not considered as a part of PE.
