https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1017 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:04:34 GMT 2026-04-12T09:04:34Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143338 Title: Skip a Rope for Fitness (SkaRF) : a school-based intervention to promote physical activity and fundamental movement skills in Maltese children Authors: Decelis, Andrew Abstract: Physical inactivity among children is a growing concern across Europe. In Malta, only 24% of eleven-year-olds meet the WHO’s recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. The SkaRF (Skip a Rope for Fitness) project was developed as a school-based intervention to increase physical activity and improve motor competence through rope skipping. This quasi-experimental study was implemented over three years with students aged 8 to 11. In Phase 1, 60 Year 4 students were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group engaged in 15-minute daily skipping sessions for four weeks. In Phase 2, the former control group joined the intervention in Year 5. In Phase 3, all students repeated the four-week intervention in Year 6. Five testing points were recorded: pre- and post-intervention in Phases 1 and 2, and post-intervention in Phase 3. [excerpt] Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143338 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142293 Title: Bridging theory and practice : implementing the Maltese physical education curriculum Authors: Decelis, Andrew Abstract: This paper offers a critical analysis of the Maltese Physical Education (PE) curriculum, examining the integration of its theoretical principles with practical implementation. The curriculum is underpinned by a robust theoretical framework, aiming to foster holistic development and physical literacy through student-centred, constructivist, and model-based approaches. However, a significant gap exists between these theoretical ideals and their practical application within schools. The analysis identifies key challenges, including teachers' predominant use of summative assessments, a lack of professional development in Assessment for Learning (AfL) and non-physical domain evaluation, and insufficient hands-on training in diverse pedagogies. Systemic and contextual barriers such as inadequate PE time, large class sizes, and poor facilities compound these issues. The low status of PE within the educational system further diminishes teacher motivation and retention, collectively undermining the subject's potential to develop physically literate and healthy youth, which contributes to high inactivity and obesity rates. The report concludes by proposing a series of recommendations, including, among others, enhancing initial and ongoing teacher training in assessment and diverse needs, addressing systemic issues by increasing PE time and improving facilities, and strategically elevating the subject’s status to ensure PE receives the necessary resources to maximise its contribution to a healthier and more active Maltese population. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142293 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140655 Title: GoPE 2025 Physical education country card Malta Abstract: The GoPE 2025 Physical Education Country Card for Malta provides a national overview of school-based physical education systems, policy alignment, and participation levels among adolescents. The card highlights national curriculum requirements in both primary and secondary education and the presence of mandatory physical education within Malta’s educational framework. The report also identifies gaps in national surveillance of physical education policy implementation and notes limited research output related to physical education in the country. Description: GoPE 2025 Physical education country card Malta is also available in the Maltese language, herewith attached. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140655 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140654 Title: GoPA 2025 Physical activity country card Malta Abstract: The Global Observatory for Physical Activity- GoPA! is a global organization consisting of physical activity researchers, epidemiologists, public health policy makers and practitioners that catalogues and analyzes global data on physical activity and health. There is no other observatory dedicated to monitoring worldwide physical activity globally. The Global Observatory for Physical Activity was formed in response to the urgent call to action raised by the 2012 Lancet Physical Activity Series. GoPA! is a council of the International Society of Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH). The mission of the Global Observatory for Physical Activity is to monitor physical activity surveillance, research, and policy worldwide, with the ultimate goal of reducing the global burden of mortality and morbidity caused by physical inactivity. In 2015, GoPA! produced the first set of physical activity profiles “Country Cards” for 139 countries worldwide and with data up to 2013. After six years and using standardized methods, GoPA! is launching the Second Set of Country Cards based on data up to 2019 from 217 countries. From these 217 countries, 150+ countries have local representatives that are part of the GoPA! network. The GoPA 2025 Physical Activity Country Card for Malta provides an overview of national physical activity indicators, including policy, surveillance, and research capacity. In this edition, GoPA! introduces new indicators that expand the scope of analysis. These include country data, gender inequalities in physical activity participation and research, progress of country-level data on physical activity domains, trends in gender inequalities in participation and research, policy implementation, and progress in capacity-building for physical activity promotion. These indicators provide essential data to identify gaps, monitor progress, and support advocacy and decision-making. Description: GoPA 2025 Physical activity country card Malta is also available in the Maltese language, herewith attached. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140654 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z