Physical Activity and Sport in British Society

• what is physical recreation, examples and function 


  what - voluntary activities undertaken during leisure time for enjoyment, relaxation or health benefits

  examples - walking, cycling, yoga, dancing, swimming

  function - promotes physical and mental wellbeing, social interaction, and personal development
• what is sport, examples and function 


  what - structured, competitive activities with established rules and regulations

  examples - football, rugby, cricket, tennis, athletics

  functions - provides entertainment, fosters community identity, promotes national pride, offers opportunities for elite athletes
• what is physical education (PE) and its function

  what - formal instruction in physical activity and sport, typically with an educational setting

  function - develops motor skills, promotes healthy lifestyles, teaches teamwork and sportsman
• what is school sport, examples and function 


  what - organised competitive sport within schools and educational institutions

  examples - school football leagues, inter-school athletics competitions, swimming galas

  function - provides a platform for talent identification, develops competitive spirit, fosters school pride
• what are the similarities

  all involve physical activity and contribute to physical and mental wellbeing

  all can foster social interaction and community building
• what are the differences

  physical recreation is less structured and more focused on personal enjoyment, while sport is more competitive and governed by rules

  PE is an educational endeavour, while school sport emphasises competition and skill development

  the level of commitment and skill required increases along the sport development continuum
• what is the sport development pyramid 


  a model that illustrates the various levels of participation in sport, from grassroots involvement to elite performance.

  it highlights the importance of a broad base of participation at the foundation level, gradually narrowing as athletes progress towards the elite level
• what are the four levels of the sport development pyramid 


  foundation level

  participant level

  performance level

  excellence level
• what is the focus of the foundation level, activities and an example 


  focus - introduction to basic movement skills, fun, and enjoyment of physical activity

  activities - PE lessons in primary schools, community-based multi-sport programmes, "Mini Kickers" football sessions

  example - a young child learning to throw a catch a ball in a school PE lesson
• what is the focus of the participation level, activities and an example 


  focus - regular engagement in sport or physical activity for health, social and enjoyment benefits

  activities - club sport participation, recreational leagues, park runs, community fitness classes

  example - a teenager joining a local cricket club to play with friends and improve their skills
• what is the focus of the performance level, activities and an example 


  focus - committed training and competition, with the goal of achieving personal bests and improving performance

  activities - county-level competitions, regional leagues, talent development programmes

  example - a young athlete training regularly with a swimming club and competing in regional championships
• what is the focus of the excellence level, activities and an example 


  focus - elite athletes competing at national and international levels, striving for podium finishes and records

  activities - national squads, Olympic/paralympic teams, professional leagues (e.g. Premier League football)

  example - a professional rugby player competing for their club in the Premiership and representing England in international matches
• what is the importance of the sport development pyramid 


  foundation for success - a strong foundation is crucial for developing a healthy sporting culture and producing elite athletes

  talent identification - provides a structured pathway for identifying and nurturing talented athletes as they progress through the levels

  mass participation - has numerous health and social benefits for the population

  resource allocation - helps sporting organisations allocate resources effectively, targeting investment at different levels based on needs and potential impact
• what are some British sporting examples of the sport development pyramid

  foundation - primary school children learning basic movement skills in PE lessons

  participation - park run events where people of all ages and abilities run or walk a 5k course

  performance - amateur football clubs competing in local leagues

  excellence - olympic athletes like Mo Farah or Dina Asher-Smith representing great Britain