Brown,Dawn,Trent D./ Penney

In recent decades physical education has moved from the margins, redefining itself as an academic subject. An important component of this transformation has been the introduction of high-stakes examinations at key points in a student’s school career and the emergence of ‘examination physical education’ as the dominant paradigm in some countries. This book is the first to explore the growing international literature on examination physical education, extending the political, academic and professional debates around examination physical education and how this knowledge is translated into pedagogical practice in the classroom.

Drawing on contemporary philosophical, conceptual and empirical thinking, and richly drawn with illustrative case-studies throughout, the book considers how examination physical education has significantly changed teaching and learning in physical education. It explores key topics such as curriculum development, assessment policies and practices, the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge, the relationship between examination physical education and the wider physical education curriculum, and the role of physical education teacher education and professional learning in the development of examination physical education.

No other book offers an internationally-focused and research-informed commentary on this profoundly important development in physical education policy and practice. It is important reading for any advanced student, researcher or teacher educator with an interest in physical education or human movement studies.