Physical education and physically active lives: a lifelong approach to curriculum development

This paper focuses upon the relationship between physical education and interests in enabling more people to establish and maintain ‘active and healthy lives’ from a curriculum development perspective. Twin and inter‐linked concepts of ‘lifelong learning’ and ‘lifelong physical activity’ are presented as a conceptual basis for curriculum development in physical education. A multidimensional conceptualisation of physical activity is introduced as a key reference point for rethinking the scope and focus of curricula claiming or aiming to facilitate people's interest and ability to maintain active and healthy lives. It is argued that there is a need for a broadening of the skills, knowledge and understanding encompassed within curricula and for a lifelong curriculum to be acknowledged as the collective responsibility of organisations and individuals within and beyond existing formal education structures.