Sport in British-type schools emerged, predominantly, in the second half of the 19th century. It was built on a foundation of compulsory team games for all, and a strong conviction that these developed desirable personal qualities. From the earliest days, there was competition between schools in a small number of sports for one team per school. Results reflected on the wider perceived status of participating schools.

For another 100 or so years, the ways of measuring success remained largely unchanged. Although facilities improved, programmes remained based on the primacy of team games and results in inter-school competition were the...

Most independent schools which are currently co-educational were originally boys-only. A small number of girls’ schools successfully took boys, but not in anywhere near the same volume that their counterparts did.

This has meant that most co-educational schools have assumed a boys’ sport model and attempted to apply that to girls, often with little adaption. This has been based on a heavy diet of team games, with supporting programme of school matches. From the outset, gender-specific games have operated in parallel. There has, however, been limited overlap. Historic girls games, such as Hockey, Netball and occasionally Lacrosse have operated...

PADSIS Forum Questionnaire Results (N=123)

1. What proportion of practical PE lessons are currently delivered “live” ?
Less than 25%: 59% , 25–50%: 18% , 50–75%: 11% , Over 75%: 12%

2. Are you intending to trial new, or different, sports in the programme from September?
No: 4% , Yes: 46% , Undecided: 50%

3. Are you hoping to run a version of traditional team games from September?
No: 15% , Yes: 85%

4. Are you intending to have a...