Sustainability-oriented learning in physical education and health (PEH)? A document analysis of the Swedish syllabi

Abstract

In this paper, we add to the literature by exploring how sustainable development (SD) and sustainability-oriented learning, are reflected in the Swedish compulsory school and upper secondary school physical education and health (PEH) syllabi. The source of data was the PEH syllabi and the commentary material, as produced by the Swedish National Agency of Education. These were qualitatively analysed through document and thematic analysis using two educational guideline resources as guiding frameworks. We found no explicit statements related to SD in the PEH syllabi for the compulsory school and upper secondary school. In the commentary materials, however, there were explicit statements made in relation to outdoor life and nature and ergonomics. We also found links possible between the PEH syllabi and totally five SDGs as the syllabi stands today. Our analysis signals a lack of conceptualisation of SD, but also openings for working with these perspectives, and to address these in the Swedish PEH syllabi.