ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of an innovative physical education development at Dyffryn Taf School in South West Wales aiming to support young people with engagement in regular and purposeful physical activity. Adopting both theory driven and practical approaches, the school redeveloped their traditional, 1950s school gym into a modern, unique, open plan, health and fitness environment specifically for young people. Concomitantly, utilising the latest mobile technology and principles of Gamification, motivational programmes of study were devised. Initially, the chapter outlines the underpinning theory driving the creation of School Gym. This centres largely on the concept of physical literacy and the use of motivational theory, specifically from a self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2000; Ryan & Deci, 2000) perspective. As a central component of the programme, physical competence is discussed detail, utilising literature from areas of movement and fitness competence. This provides a rationale for the inclusion of fundamental, foundational and broader exercise activities within the programme. Subsequently, holistic pupil development is addressed to promote learning within cognitive, affective and social domains alongside physical competence. Using this theoretical base as a foundation, the chapter provides a detailed description of School Gym environment and associated programmes of study.
