Highly Able Students in Physical Education. The learning experiences of a group of highly able PE students at the end of compulsory schooling

Abstract

Aims The overall purpose of this study is to examine the learning experiences of a group of highly talented year 9 physical education pupils. Further the aim is to gain an insight in to how the students feel they develop and improve and how they could maximize their experiences and learning. A key reason for this research is the apparent lack of studies surrounding highly able physical education students in Sweden.

Research Method A qualitative interview based study has been conducted. A total of 12 highly able year 9 students from a large state school took part in the interviews. The highly able students were selected using the PESSYP definition of talented physical education students. Results The students taking part in the study felt their needs were not always met during physical education, though they really enjoyed the subject. Students often felt under-stimulated and wished for greater challenges. There was a general feeling that their requirements were not always met by the curriculum, syllabus, and the teaching practices.