Conflicts in the Curriculum: an Example from Physical Education

Summary A recent survey of over 3,000 comprehensive school pupils and 75 physical education teachers revealed a complex pattern of influences in teachers' curriculum intentions, decisions and implementations; and in pupils' responses to the curriculum. A series of dilemmas, contradictions or conflicts were found in: a) teachers' innovatory aims versus traditional teaching; b) expanded extracurricular opportunities for pupils versus restrictions on sports club membership; c) pupil‐centred interest and guidance versus competitive achievement orientation by teachers; d) liberal education aspirations of teachers versus elitist expectations by colleagues; e) acceptance of competitive values versus rejection and non‐participation in sports by pupils.