‘It’s like it doesn’t really matter’: Are teachers accountable and equipped for teaching primary physical education?

Abstract

ABSTRACT In light of the recent trend of outsourcing Physical Education teaching, the aim of this study was to examine primary teachers’ perspectives of primary Physical Education delivery. Fourteen in-service primary school teachers took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis led to the development of six themes. Findings were presented as a written playscript, representing dialogue between group primary school teachers, with reflections of four Physical Education subject leads included to supplement the dialogue. The findings suggest a greater emphasis on accountability, subject advocacy, teacher professional development and effective deployment of resources are needed to address the issues raised by the primary teachers.