ABSTRACT
This chapter is designed to provide a context for the debates raised throughout this book. In conducting a debate it is always valuable to be clear about the definition of key terms related to the area under discussion and this is the first task of the chapter, that is, to define the nature of physical education, recreation and sport. Second, views and opinions are very often closely related to the social and cultural context surrounding the issues under consideration. The chapter will also, therefore, briefly describe the social and cultural context of the development of physical education in schools in England. Significant changes in physical education will be identified and reasons for these proposed, including the changing justifications for including the subject in the curriculum. The introduction of the National Curriculum for Physical Education (NCPE) in England and its effect on practice in schools will be debated. Finally the chapter will review the current nature of physical education in England today. The issues in this chapter are presented as a dialogue to serve as an example of the nature of a debate in which physical educationists might well be involved. As the debate proceeds you will find examples of the participants being challenged to explain their views in more detail and to defend their positions. It is hoped that this chapter will encourage you to question and interrogate the views of others, as appropriate, and to formulate your own views on the issues under discussion. With the exception of Chapter 4, other chapters in this book are not written in this format; however, many of the issues introduced in other chapters could be the subject of a debate with others. Articulating views and defending beliefs are very valuable skills, well worth mastering.
