A Case Study of Blackwood Comprehensive School: An Examination of High Quality Physical Education on Pupils and Influence and Success of Sport Policy.

Abstract

The research was a case study analysis of Blackwood Comprehensive School’s physical education department. Examining the effects of providing high quality physical education and influence and success of sport policies. Themes highlighted here include the effects of physical education on physical, social and mental welfare. The success of club-school links, finally the success of sport policy. Data collection of this research was of a qualitative nature. Participants were identified based on their role and position within the physical education department, they discussed their thoughts, opinions and feeling about the themes aforementioned. In the form of semistructured interviews (n=5), it allowed the interviewees answers to be rich in data. Participants responses were analysed and discussed. Each interview was transcribed and analysed through identifying key themes. Results concluded that providing high quality physical education does have a noticeable/effective role in improving pupils physical, social and mental welfare. Results infer that club-school links at Blackwood Comprehensive School are unsuccessful, with the number of sports without links far outweighing those sports with links. Finally staff felt the majority of pupils are positively influenced by sport policies and initiatives, this is mainly due to the outstanding work of the PE department. However staff are realistic in understanding that no policy or initiative outcome is able to positively influence all pupils.