Sport, physical education and educational worth

“Evaluating the relationship between physical education, sport and social inclusion”, published in Educational Review in 2005 was concerned formally with an analysis of the potential role of sport and physical education (PE) within the social policy agenda of Blair’s New Labour Government. It was also a contribution to a wider, ongoing programme that sought to understand and articulate the social and educational value of physical activities. Marginalisation within the school curriculum has been a perennial threat throughout the history of PE, so a clear and compelling account of their value has both academic and practical relevance. I take the opportunity presented by this Special Issue to discuss aspects of this wider research programme, its aims, obstacles and ambitions. The 2005 article was written primarily from a social policy perspective. This sequel turns mainly to philosophy to examine some of the perennial issues of educational values and human well-being.