How did Physical Training change from 1904 to 1952? How did
Physical Education develop in the 1950s? What Influence did World
War 2 have on these developments? Physical Training and PE in the
1950s
Slide 2
Early Physical Training (1904-1919) 1904-1919 Replaced the
Model course in 1904. Government produced a prescriptive syllabus
that could be delivered by teachers with no experience of physical
training Therapeutic effects of exercise- respiration, circulation
and posture Dr George Newman was appointed Chief Medical officer
within board of education Created tables of exercise for teachers
to follow (1904 syllabus had 109 /1909 syllabus had only 71)
Obedience still important but enjoyment and decision making started
to appear 1904- Still used command teaching style but had a kinder
approach with elements of choice 1909- More Swedish in character,
recreational aspects with dance steps and simple games
Slide 3
Physical Training (1919-1933) Huge losses of life during world
war 1 and post-war flu epidemic 1919 syllabus was more
child-centred in its approach Dr George Newman still influential
insisting that PT was not to blame for lack of fitness of working
class Stressed benefits of recreational activities for the
rehabilitation of injured soldiers Main objectives of 1919
syllabus... Under 7s focus on play and enjoyment 7 and over-
therapeutic work Exercises similar to 1909 with special section of
games for the under 7s Recommended that at least half the lesson
was spent on general activity exercises Including small game and
dancing Teachers given more freedom to deliver lesson in a less
formal way
Slide 4
Late Physical Training (1933-1952) Industrial depression of the
1930s left many working class unemployed and living in poverty 1933
syllabus Highly respected syllabus More varied in its aims
Introduced another group over under 11s and 11 and over Based upon
Hadow report of 1926 suggesting greater need for differentiation
between ages groups Last syllabus published under Dr George Newman
Still had exercise tables which teachers used to plan their own
lessons Emphasis still on physical fitness, therapeutics, good
posture and physique. Holistic development a key aspect- body and
mind Children were encouraged to use imagination and develop skills
Increased interaction between teacher and pupil Special clothing
worn during the lesson
Slide 5
Development of PE in the 1950s The 1944 Butler Education act
aimed to ensure equality of educational opportunity Raised school
leaving age to 15 Local authorities required to provide playing
fields for schools PE in the 1950s aimed to Develop physical,
social and cognitive skills Provide a variety of experiences in an
enjoyable atmosphere Increase involvement for everyone at their own
level of ability Moving and growing (1952) Published in 1952 by the
education department as a guide for primary schools as their
teachers werent specifically trained Physical education rather than
physical training meant the development of... Exploratory work
Problem solving Creativity Skill-based work Greater focus on
sporting facilities for working class recreation activities- change
in philosophy
Slide 6
Influence of the second world war Development of PE in the
1950s coincided with an extensive post war rebuilding programme
Many schools were destroyed during second world war Expansion in
newly built facilities to deliver a more varied physical education
programme New apparatus bought in to schools was direct result of
commando style training Troops needed a more mobile style of
fighting and ability to solve problems The educational value of
this type of activity was recognised Different types of teaching
style began to emerge to develop children in a positive way Rudolf
Laban influenced PE development in the 1950s with his work.
Specialist teachers with child-centred approach Influential in the
creation of Moving and growing (1952)