Jo Harris

Gender Issues in Health-related Exercise

This article focuses on gender issues arising in research that explored physical education (PE) teachers’ attitudes and approaches relating to the teaching of healthrelated exercise(HRE) within the National Curriculum for Physical Education (NCPE) in England. Data are reported that reveal notable differences between female and male PE heads of departments in their development of HRE in the NCPE, and variations in the HRE programmes provided for girls and boys. The article addresses the implications of the research findings for physical education teachers and teacher educators and makes recommendations with respect to changes that are required if physical educators are to develop more equitable educational practices and environments. The article also draws attention to the insights that the research provides into the complexities of policy, curriculum and pedagogical change and, specifically, factors underpinning variations in implementation of policy, and stabilities in the practices of physical education over time.

How healthy is school PE? A review of the effectiveness of health-related physical education programmes in schools

The role of the school in health promotion has become more prominent and there has been an increase in health-related physical education programmes in schools. This paper presents a comprehensive review of such programmes and considers whether and to what extent school physical education contributes to young peoples health. The review suggests that health-related physical education programmes can achieve positive outcomes in physiological, clinical, behavioural, cognitive and affective measures. However, firm conclusions cannot yet be drawn about the effects of health-related physical education programmes on childrens long-term health. The review is encouraging in terms of assimilating health objectives within the primary and secondary school Physical Education curricula.

Exercise recommendations for young people: an update

This paper provides an update on the major developments in exercise recommendations for young people, and in particular, focuses on the most recent guidelines which have been developed in England by the Health Education Authority (HEA). The recommendations are contained within the HEA’s policy framework for the promotion of health‐enhancing physical activity for young people, Young and Active?, which aims to maximise the opportunity for participation in health‐enhancing physical activity. The paper discusses the practical application of the guidelines and provides ideas as to how they can be implemented by physical educators and health professionals. It proposes that the recommendations are more realistic, flexible, appealing and attainable than previous guidelines and that they signal significant progress in the field of exercise prescription for young people. However, cautions and messages highlighted in earlier reviews in the area still hold.

Activity promotion in physical education.

exercise and health over the past few years which have reinforced the value of regular physical activity to young people. Research on children’s physical activity levels in England has increased (Armstrong & Bray, 1991; Armstrong, Balding, Gentle & Kirby, 1990; Cale & Almond, 1993; Sleap & Warburton, 1992; Sports Council, 1995) and specific recommendations relating to the amount of exercise that children and