Consider the effectiveness of the Maesteg and Cynffig Development Centres in Bridgend County Borough to implement the Physical Education and School Sport (PESS) programme

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to analyse the effectiveness of Development Centres (DC's). DC's were established by the Welsh Assembly's Government's (WAG) Physical Education and School Sport (PESS) programme, to maintain and improve the overall standards in Physical Education and School Sport for all children in Wales. A case study approach was employed, analysing the Maesteg and Cynffig Development Centres within the County Borough of Bridgend. The purpose of the literature review is to describe the context and circumstances that have conspired, in part, to the introduction of the Physical Education and School Sport (PESS) programme. The author will then consider the specific role of Development Centres within the context of the PESS programme, demonstrating a clear understanding of relevant concepts and issues (Gratton and Jones, 2004). A qualitative methodology was employed through a series of nine semi-structured interviews. Key managerial and operational personnel of the Maesteg and Cynffig Development Centres were interviewed. Focussing on attitudes and opinions of interviewees, the author investigated seven key themes in order to assess the effectiveness of the Development Centres. Results of the study show a positive response to a partnership that is working effectively. The partnership is impacting upon the quality and diversity of sporting opportunity, the profile of physical education and improving teacher support. Yet a number of issues regarding contemporary physical education are still present and highlighted by the study.