The transformational wind of theoretical change: A historic and contemporary view of physical education

Building on a historical review of physical education, this chapter discusses how new curriculum approaches seek to help learners negotiate the unpredictable and contradictory nature of learning across the lifespan. Subsequently, it highlights how the literature increasingly focuses on new curriculum models that present a holistic view of physical education that is participative, interactive and authentic. The chapter further discusses how efforts are being made to create overarching curriculum frameworks that are more integrated, robust and flexible. It concludes by discussing how the integration of the models-based practice and ‘connective specialism’ approaches may act as a catalyst to support future overarching curriculum developments.