Australia vs UK PE

Australia vs UK PE

1. UK

   • Focus/aim
     • Elite sport in schools is extra- curricular activity.
   • Ethos
     • Participation ethic prevails. Ethic is determined by the teacher. Education aim.
   • Selection
     • Inter-school sport voluntary activity
   • Status
     • Inter-school sport is lower status compared to PE
   • Organisation
     • Some Governing Body Competitions e.g FA schools knockout. Individual teachers/SSCo’s may organise local leagues. Inter-school fixtures may be organised on a friendly basis.
   • Leader
     • Teachers tend to be in charge of sport. It’s a voluntary commitment. Some coaches employed in specialist sports.
   • Contract of teacher/coach
     • Teacher has permanent contract
   • Club links
     • Government initiatives: School Co-ordinators Programme. Local authority sports development team work with clubs and schools. Governing bodies and more affluent clubs have youth development officer.
   • Awards
     • Governing Body Award Schemes. World Class funding programme for top athletes is administered by UK Sport. Private sponsorships are available for individuals/teams
   • Progression
     • Progression through Junior clubs

2. Australia

   • Focus/aim
     • Sport focus on mass participation ethic. Has state and national representations in some sports e.g. Australia Schools Rugby, Pacific School Games.
   • Ethos
     • Development of games through strong emphasis on participation. Education aim.
   • Selection
     • Intra and inter-school participation for all in wide range of sports
   • Status
     • PE and inter-school sport have an equal high priority in the curriculum
   • Organisation
     • State Competitions organised by school sports associations e.g. Victoria Secondary Schools Sports Associations (VSSSA)
   • Leader
     • Teacher leads Sport Education and PE programmes. Specialist coaches can be hired. Senior pupils used as Sports Programme Leaders.
   • Contract of teacher/coach
     • Teacher has permanent contract
   • Club links
     • Sports linkage programme has extensive links between clubs and schools.
   • Progression
     • Progression to sports institutes or academies through the club system
   • Awards
     • State Awards to recognise achievement and contribution e.g. Baron de Coubertin Awards in Victoria.
   • Community interest
     • Minimal community interest. Tends to be parental interest.