Physical education is an academic subject taught in schools worldwide, encompassing primary, secondary, and sometimes tertiary education. It is often referred to as Phys. Ed. or PE, and in the United States it is informally called gym class or gym. Physical education generally focuses on developing physical fitness, motor skills, health awareness, and social interaction through activities such as sports, exercise, and movement education. While curricula vary by country, PE generally aims to promote lifelong physical activity and well-being. Unlike other academic subjects, physical education is distinctive because it engages students across the psychomotor, cognitive, affective, social, and cultural domains of learning. Physical education content differs internationally, as physical activities often reflect the geographic, cultural, and environmental features of each region. While the purpose of physical education is debated, one of its central goals is generally regarded as socializing and empowering young people to value and participate in diverse movement and physical activity cultures.
Five Learning Bodies in PE (Core Learning Domains)
Historically, the field of physical education has focused on three learning domains: affective, cognitive, and psychomotor. More recently, however, scholarship in physical education has recently acknowledged two additional, social and cultural domains of learning. Recently, physical education researchers from Australia, Sweden and the United Kingdom have re-formulated the Domains of Learning to be understood as Five Learning Bodies in physical education: Moving Body, Thinking Body, Emotional Body, Social Body, and Cultural Body. This re-formulation was done using the academic literature in physical education and education more broadly.
Moving Body: This dimension emphasizes the development of physical competencies and motor skills. It encompasses students' abilities to perform various movements with control, coordination, and efficiency, forming the foundation of traditional PE activities. Thinking Body: Beyond physical movement, this aspect focuses on cognitive engagement. It involves understanding rules, strategies, and concepts related to physical activities, fostering critical thinking, decision-making, and reflective practices among students. Social Body: This facet highlights the importance of social interactions and relationships in PE settings. It considers how students collaborate, communicate, and build relationships through physical activities, promoting teamwork, empathy, and a sense of community. Emotional Body: Recognizing the emotional experiences associated with physical activity, this dimension addresses feelings such as joy, frustration, confidence, and anxiety. It underscores the role of emotions in motivation, engagement, and overall well-being in PE. Cultural Body: This component acknowledges the cultural contexts and identities that students bring into PE. It involves understanding how cultural backgrounds, values, and societal norms influence students' participation and experiences in physical activities. By integrating these five learning bodies, teachers can offer a comprehensive approach to PE that transcends the traditional focus on physical activity alone. This framework encourages educators to consider the multifaceted nature of student development, promoting inclusive and meaningful learning experiences in physical education.
Curriculum approaches to physical education
Like education more broadly, there are different curriculum approaches to physical education. Ennis has identified that there are three main approaches to curriculum in physical education: Factory, Garden and Journey.
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