ABSTRACT
Educationalists in Britain have coined many terms to categorize various groups of pupils or students. Multicultural, multi-ethnic, ethnic minorities and cultural diversity, to name but a few — all have something in common, quite apart from the over use of hyphens. For Physical Education (PE) means that all children should be allowed access to and given confidence in the different activities involved, regardless of their ability, sex, or cultural/ethnic background. PE and dance teachers will provide opportunities for pupils in development of appropriate language. The meaning of words is illustrated in action and the ability to talk about what pupils do and see, to describe using technical and non-technical language to express ideas, to organize themselves and others and to give instructions, should all be fostered. Some Muslim groups have advocated withdrawal of Muslim pupils from dance lessons, because of dancing with boys or dance perceived as a ‘performance’. Personal or individual racism and institutional racism must both be addressed.
