Girls' engagement with Physical Education

Why is girls' engagement with Physical Education an issue? 

Girls' engagement with Physical Education (PE) is a complex issue influenced by various factors. 

There's a significant amount of research showing that a proportion of girls are not engaging with PE in school. Only 59% of girls say they enjoy secondary school PE lessons and activities compared to 83% of boys. The two biggest barriers identified are periods and confidence levels. 

By age 7, girls are already less active than boys and this disparity widens as they move from childhood into adolescence. Adolescent girls are more likely to experience barriers to participation than boys with the biggest drop-off occurring during the transition from primary to secondary school. 

At this time there are multiple factors that affect girls' participation including disruption to friendship groups, the onset of puberty and declining body confidence and the increasing need to 'fit in' and be accepted amongst their peers. 

It's a complex issue that requires a nuanced understanding and approach. 

What can schools and settings do to support girls' engagement with PE? 

Encouraging girls' participation in physical education (PE) involves several strategies. Youth Sport Trust outline some effective approaches: 

1. 'Long-Term Approach: Schools should adopt a sustained effort to engage girls in PE. Consistent encouragement and support over time can make a difference. 
2. Boost Self-Confidence: Place self-confidence at the heart of PE. Create an environment where girls feel empowered, capable, and comfortable participating in physical activities. The Dove Self-Esteem Project aims to build self-esteem in young people.  
3. Relevance to Girls' Lives: Make PE and sport relevant to girls' interests and experiences. Incorporate activities that resonate with their daily lives. 
4. Friendship Influence: Recognise the power of peer groups in supporting engagement. Encourage group activities and foster positive peer relationships. 
5. Role Models: Develop female role models within the school. These role models can inspire and motivate other girls to participate actively in PE. 
6. Empowerment: Involve girls in designing and delivering PE and sport. Empowering them to take ownership enhances engagement and enthusiasm.' 
7. Embedded approaches to PE across the curriculum: It is also important to consider how PE is integrated within the broader context of health education. See further information and guidance from the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum. 

Remember, creating a positive and supportive environment is crucial for encouraging girls to participate in sports and physical activities. 

What support is available?  

National 

DfE PE and Sports in Schools Guidance - DfE PE and sports in schools guidance provides information to help schools increase access to PE, physical activity and extra-curricular school sport, including examples of good practice. 

Relationships, Sex and Health Education - The Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum covers various aspects of personal development, including physical health and mental well-being and emphasises overall health and well-being.  

Girls Active - Girls Active is a programme by the Youth Sport Trust that aims to foster girls' participation in PE, sport, and physical activity. It focuses on empowering girls by tackling barriers they face and cultivating a movement of girls and young women. The programme encourages positive action through influence, leadership, and inspiration among peers. 

Trauma Informed PE - Trauma-Informed PE is an approach that focuses on creating a psychologically safe and supportive environment within Physical Education classes. Find out more information from Future Action. 

Dove Self-Esteem Project - The Dove Self-Esteem Project resources include free tools focused on body awareness, mindfulness, self-kindness, empowerment, and positive emotions for parents, mentors, teachers, and youth leaders. If you're interested in specific activities or guidance, you can explore their 1:1 Activity Guide for Mentors of Girls.   

Norfolk 

Active Norfolk provides funding opportunities and resources to support physical activity in Norfolk schools including through e-learning and additional resources such as 'The Daily Mile'. Active Norfolk has a dedicated Children and Young Person's team that works with schools and early years settings to improve outcomes for children and young people using sport and physical activity. 

The Norwich City Community Sports Foundation (CSF) provides various programmes for Norfolk schools as well as hosting school holiday football coaching for 5 to 11-year-olds. 

Key contacts 

For support around the RSHE curriculum, please call 0333 313 7165 to get in touch with one of our advisers. This phone line is open on weekdays, from 9am to 5pm. You can also email inclusionandsend@norfolk.gov.uk if you are unable to call.