ABSTRACT
Physical Education (PE) is concerned with the development of pupils’ physical skills and the cognitive growth that provides the basis both for understanding and developing skilful performance. The development of physical skills is thus connected to the growth in knowledge of how the body moves and how this contributes to fitness and health; this affects judgements on what constitutes effective performance and ensures that necessary improvements can be made. In the programme of study for PE, the aim to develop cognitive thinking skills is apparent in the range of problem-solving activities that are presented. These include planning and adapting strategies and tactics in competitive games, or creating and composing in the areas of individual performance like dance and gymnastics. The knowledge and understanding developed may have added value in enabling pupils to gain more enjoyment from any sports that they watch.
