Contemporary Teacher of Physical Education

The contemporary teacher of primary physical education is confronted with a number of pedagogical, policy, and subject decisions that make teaching and learning in the subject “complex” (Jess et al. 2016). In addition to the curriculum requirements of physical education, teachers are often tasked with promoting sporting habits and improving the health and well-being of young people across the school day. This can often lead to confusion over the purpose of physical education, sport, and physical activity among teachers and school leaders. In this entry we aim to share some of the key ideas that promote quality primary practice in schools and suggest ideas of how teachers can be effective in their role.