Physical Education as a Foundation for Grassroots Sport in Primary School in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The importance of physical education in primary schools has been realised worldwide. It is through the teaching of Physical Education (PE) in primary schools that children have been exposed to play and sporting activities at grassroots level. Notably, the delivery of PE varies from one school to the other. Issues of availability of equipment and facilities, resource and assessment procedures influence the teaching of PE. The research set to develop an appreciation on the role and contribution of teaching PE as a foundation for skills development at primary school level amongst stakeholders, universities and colleges. A quantitative approach was used to gather information from participants that comprised teachers of primary schools on the role of PE. Stratified random sampling technique was used and participants were voluntarily selected while confidentiality of the collected data was ensured. Six females and five males of age 31 and above participated in the study. Findings from the questionnaire which targeted teachers point at resources and availability of expertise in schools. 90% of participants point at resources and availability of equipment in schools as a major drawback. On the other hand, 85% of respondents indicate challenges of competent teachers with expertise. Moreover, 100% of respondents allude to PE as a subject that is likely to develop the child holistically. Recommendations put forward were that of government availing both human and financial resources to schools so that PE programmes are implemented effectively. Furthermore, schools should explore ways in which teachers are empowered with innovative skills that will improve delivery strategies and community involvement thereby developing sport at grassroots level. There is a likelihood of having a sport-oriented nation if foundational skills are strongly cultivated.