Drill, Physical Training and Physical Education in State Schools Flashcards
Define and describe nineteenth century state schools.
State schools were schools for junior aged children funded by the government. State education in Britain began following the 1870 Forster Education Act.
What is meant by the key term ‘objective’?
The aim or intention of something. For example, physical or military fitness.
What is meant by the key term ‘methodology’?
The teaching style used for delivery. For example, command or problem solving.
What is meant by the key term ‘content’?
The subject matter or activities taught in the lesson. For example, weapons drill or games skills.
Describe the early European gymnastic teaching methods.
Swedish gymnastics was a system of freestanding exercise creating by Ling that exercised different body parts systematically.
German gymnastics emphasised the use of apparatus for vaulting and strengthening.
What was the Boer War?
This was a war between the British Empire and the Boers of South Africa, 1899 - 1902. Britain lost prestige due to its poor performance against mainly Dutch farmers.
Explain Elementary school drill at the end of the nineteenth century
School attendance had become compulsory for children aged between 5 and 10. By 1899 school leaving age was raised to 12. The influences on physical activity were the work of the European gymnastics teachers and by 1900 there had been great progress in terms of provision with the Board of Education stating that games were a suitable alternative to Swedish drill.
Describe the background to the Model Course 1902
This course was introduced as a result of Britain’s poor performance in the Boer War. It was condemned by progressives as a backward step as military needs became more powerful than educational needs. It was produced and imposed by Colonel Malcolm Fox of the War Office.
Identify the objectives, content and methodology of the Model Course 1902
Objectives - Fitness for military service, training for weapons handling, discipline for the working class Content - Military drill, marching, weapons training, static exercises Methodology - Command-response, group response, no individuality, in ranks
Account for the criticisms of the Model Course 1902
Failed to cater for different ages
Boys and Girls instructed together
Dull and repetitive
Seen as a backward step from the therapeutic approach
Treated children as little soldiers
Taught by army NCO’s - Lowered the status of the subject
Identify any benefits of the 1902 Model Course
It was cheap
It catered for large numbers in small spaces
It did slightly improve fitness levels
What is meant by the term NCO?
NCO’s were Non-commissioned officers of low ranking with little knowledge or interest in child development who were asked to deliver the Model Course of 1902.
Who was Colonel Fox?
He was a long serving army officer appointed to establish and ensure the adaption of the Model Course in 1902.
Give a brief background for the introduction of the 1933 Syllabus of Physical Training
This course was seen as a watershed between the syllabuses of the past and the Physical Education of the future. It was set against industrial depression and was the last course to be published by Dr George Newman. It was seen as a detailed, high quality and respected syllabus.
Identify the objectives, content and methodology of the 1933 Syllabus of Physical Training
Objectives - Physical Fitness, therapeutic benefits, physique, posture, holistic aims
Content - Athletics, gymnastics, games skills, group work, all set out in a series of tables for teachers, different sections for under and over 11’s
Methodology - centralised and direct for majority of the lesson, special clothing/kit, 5 x 20 minutes lessons per week recommended, newly build gymnasia, some specialist PE teachers.
