A secondary school dedicated to sport in Malta

Abstract

There is not much literature concerning the comprehension of schools dedicated to sport the world over, let alone in a country like ours, where sport is very often regarded as an expensive, yet healthful hobby. Dr Sabine Radtke and Prof. Fred Coalter's in depth report called Sports Schools: An International Review, saw me off on my journey towards a fundamental understanding of the operational methods of a school dedicated to sport. Focusing my research on three countries lured me deeper into this unravelled subject. Through a triangulation method of research, this dissertation has investigated different branches of sport in Malta, in an attempt to gain a broader knowledge on the subject many believe to be a waste of money, humanpower and time. Through a sample of 20% of all three sectors of secondary schools, my questionnaires helped me garner an inkling towards what PE teachers hold of such a subject and all its implications. Furthermore, my in depth interviews helped me see such a development from a different perspective. The interviewees' experience and expertise in their subject, helped me visage what I once sought an aspiration, into the whole understanding of such a complex subject, and the possibility of its practicality. My research provided me with the ability to write about my subject, to include my own notions and additionally gave me the ability to share it with others. This research did not only take me on a journey where I investigated how students learn to balance their academics and their chosen sport, but it also provided an interesting evaluation of how modern coaches should not only educate and train students in the physical sense of the word, but psychologically too. It is imperative to recognise the importance of this subject, in such a school where competitiveness and toughness are encouraged, and the countless benefits and values in sport are often neglected.