ABSTRACT
Physical education (PE) has a firmly established place in Scottish schools. While there is much to celebrate, several factors suggest redesign is warranted, including evidence that documents pupil learning, the concerns regarding the professional socialization of teachers, and the risk of motor development delay in the early years of schooling. The national Curriculum for Excellence, certificated Physical Education in Senior High School, fundamental movement skills in the early years and mental health and wellbeing among young people are discussed. Two design principles emerge. The first is a need for teachers to optimize the agency the Scottish system provides them to work within networked learning communities to improve teaching and learning. The second is to discover ways to provide evidence of pupil learning on a routine basis, to optimize further physical education’s contribution within the school system. These principles will enable redesign to meet new, emerging challenges to young people’s health and well-being.
