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UK survey finds half of kids don't enjoy PE, but that isn't the case in NZ - academic

March 23, 2018

New Zealand is said to have a "rich" curriculum, which doesn’t just include sport.

A recent UK survey found only 50 per cent of boys and 40 per cent of girls say they enjoy physical activity, but a New Zealand academic says this is likely not the case here. 

Dean of Otago University School of Physical Education Chris Button said it must be acknowledged the study was done in the UK, and their curriculum differs to New Zealand's compulsory physical education from years 1-10. 

"I think we have a very rich curriculum which doesn't just emphasise sport."

"Perhaps some of the findings from this survey over the last ten years or so [show] the UK have maybe put too much balance on sport."

"The latest cricket match suggests they need to spend a bit more time on cricket, I would suggest."

Dr Button said New Zealand's curriculum also focuses on health and physical well being, which includes mental health and personal health. 

He said it creates more well-rounded children "who learn to value what physical activity and what physical education means to them throughout their lifespan".

He said there will always be children who aren't as keen on physical activity, "but I think they should be encouraged to make physical education as inclusive as possible to involve those children". 

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