An analysis of Canadian physical education curricula

Abstract

There has been much international concern about the present and future status of school physical education. Recent research has employed surveys or case studies to examine the status of physical education but there is a dearth of in-depth physical education curriculum document analysis. The aim of this study is to contribute to the international discussion about physical education curricula by expanding upon previous interpretations of Canada’s physical education curricula and addressing additional aspects that may have been overlooked. Results of an analysis of Canada’s 10 provincial physical education curricula reveal trends and themes related to instructional time allocations, curricular aim statements, curricular organizing categories and learning outcome statements. While the stated aim of physical education curricula in Canada is focused on healthy, active living, there is evidence that the specific content of the learning outcome statements are more focused on movement skills, games and sport technique. This contradiction sparks further discussion about the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of physical education curricula and the importance of understanding what has, is, and perhaps should be influencing decisions about curriculum development throughout the world.