The teaching of physical education in Year 6 primary state schools

Abstract

This dissertation analyses the teaching of physical education in year 6 primary state schools in the Maltese Islands. This work features the importance of physical education for this particular age group. A set of questionnaires were distributed to a sample of year 6 teachers in high and low streamed classes and physical education peripatetic teachers. The E.O. for physical education was also approached for an interview regarding this study. In the review of literature, the main areas taken into consideration are the benefits of this particular subject, the physical education syllabus in year 6, the differences between high streamed and low streamed classes and the effects of examinations, gender issues, attitudes by headteachers, teachers and parents and other prevalent factors. The methodology indicates the procedures followed to obtain the results and data. The data analysis consists of the results obtained from the research methods. The last chapter of this dissertation points out conclusions drawn out from this study and suggests recommendations to improve and heighten the importance of physical education at this level.