"...They've learnt there's more to life than football." Evaluation of a primary school based physical activity project using the social concepts.

Abstract

The fifteen-month physical activity (Pa) project was initiated by the Partnership (DfES, 2003). The project tested strategies to increase the quality and quantity of Pa in two primary schools and sought to impact on the educational attainment, behaviour, and fitness, of children at Key Stage 2 (KS2). A Pa coordinator implemented the additional Pa through breaktime activities, and school-community links. 195n children (including 35n at-risk), 2n head teachers, teachers and parents were involved. This thesis evaluated the Pa project aims, within a socio-political framework, where the current political concepts of social exclusion, social inclusion, and social capital by the Government. Multiple method research was used, using semi-structured interviews, observations, questionnaires (Harter, 1985), skill related fitness tests and document information. The quality and quantity of Pa increased at the schools, but the objective of 75% of KS2 children participating in 2 hours of Pa weekly was not met. The fitness scores improved, but there was no significant change (p˂ .05) in educational attainment, or behaviour. High levels of access and participation were achieved with 99% of eligible children attending and each child attending an average 59% of sessions. At-risk attendance was 7% higher than non at-risk, but girls participation was 14% lower than boys. Limited active participation by children occurred in the project set-up, which restricted their agency and power in the process. Social capital was fostered, resulting in the volunteers and children becoming more involved in the school and wider community.