Health and Physical Education in Primary Schools: Everybody Counts

This book encourages primary school practitioners to think differently about the way in which health and physical education (HPE) is delivered in schools. Drawing on evidence from a long-term collaborative practitioner action research project, EveryBody Counts, the book shows that it is possible to challenge the orthodoxy and to reshape practice to better suit the needs and interests of all children. Featuring the voices of practitioners and the ’lived’ experiences of teachers, the book includes snippets and stories of thought and practice, supported by and linked to the research literature on topics including curriculum change, student-centred models, and pedagogical approaches in HPE. Every chapter includes rich accounts of how the teachers grappled with their own understandings of what HPE could potentially look like in their classes, as well as the range of new topics, practices, and pedagogies they used and with what effect. Questions at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to think critically about their own professional practice. This book is illuminating reading for trainee and in-service teachers and practitioners working in primary schools or working with young children.

Kirsten Petrie is an Associate Professor at the University of Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand, and is an educator focused on improving teaching, learning and leading. Her research and professional activities are centred on critical participatory practices that enhance the educational experience for all stakeholders. As an initial teacher education lecturer, academic leader, researcher and member of the community she is committed to praxis-orientated approaches that contributing to improving educational outcomes.

Lisette Burrows is Director of Te Ngira Institute for Population Research and a Professor in Community Health and Physical Culture at the University of Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand. She is co - Editor in Chief of the journal ’Sport, Education and Society’, and past-President, Fellow and Life Member of Physical Education New Zealand (PENZ). She is a seasoned researcher, familiar with diverse research methods, including teacher and student interviews, surveys, document analysis, and focus groups.

Marg Cosgriff is a Senior Lecturer in The Division of Health, University of Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand. Marg’s teaching and research specialities include community health and wellbeing; outdoor learning, leadership and education outside the classroom; and inclusive health and physical education in schools. Her work is informed by a longstanding professional background in secondary school teaching, initial and continuing teacher education, and outdoor education instruction.

Shane Keown, Joel Devcich, Jo Naera, and Deirdre Duggan are all practicing teachers and senior leaders in primary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. At the time of the EveryBody Counts research project they were based in two schools but have subsequently taken up opportunities to lead learning in schools across the North Island.