Projects for curricular enrichment of physical and sports activities in public schools of Portugal

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the genesis of curriculum enrichment projects related to physical and sports activity at public schools in Portugal and to understand their results for the educational community. An interview was conducted with four project coordinators. The projects were oriented into three categories: physical exercise and health; socio-affective development; and sports offer through the school club. The diversity and specificity of the projects adjusted to each context, as well as the competences and commitment of the person responsible for them, were considered decisive elements. Success factors and evaluation parameters of project results are explained by quantitative indicators of students’ participation rather than their impact on their education or their physical and sports skills. No connection was found between the purposes of curriculum enrichment projects and the indicators used to evaluate the results.