Exploring challenges of promoting physical activity outcomes in Fiji’s physical education curricula: past, present, and future

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the development and challenges of physical education (PE) in Fiji, encompassing its historical milestones, present state and future prospects, and outlines potential directions for strengthening the implementation of PE as a subject within Fiji’s educational system. Although the first teacher training program was established in 1874, the formal teaching of PE only commenced in the 1970s and has remained a subject of low status ever since. Sadly, Fiji ranks among the top ten countries worldwide in terms of the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, which raises concerns for the country’s future population. In both local and global contexts, PE has historically focused on learning the skills and strategies of physical activity (PA) to enable increasingly strong and independent leisure interests (Siedentop, D., & Van der Mars, H. (2023). Introduction to physical education, fitness, and sport. Human Kinetics). However, due to progressively sedentary lifestyles, there has been a shift from regular PA, leading to increased pressure placed on the subject of PE to address the issue. Consequently, this paper explores the various challenges faced by the marginalised subject, including teacher competency and skills, the PE curriculum, and female participation. Furthermore, the paper explores the possibility of PE becoming an examinable subject and provides recommendations for future directions and policy implementation.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical education
• teaching
• schools
• physical activity
• PEMAC teacher
• non-communicable diseases
• policy
• curriculum
• sports
• Pacific Island health

Acknowledgement

We would thank Prof. Shane Pill, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia for providing his invaluable guidance and unconditional support throughout the writing process. We also acknowledge the significant role of Prof. Chris Hickey, Deakin University, Australia for his suggestions to improve the content of this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Awadhesh Kumar Shirotriya

Awadhesh Kumar Shirotriya, PhD is an assistant professor in physical education and sports science. His research aims to empower PE teachers with the S.M.A.R.T. roles (Supervise, Motivate, Advocate, Research, and Teach). To change the physical education position from marginalised to materialised in Fiji Islands to create a physically active school system he recently finished a funded project as Principal Investigator entitled ‘Physical Education’s Role for Fiji Empowerment and Children Transformation (PERFECT)’.

Varanisese Tagimaucia

Varanisse Tagimaucia is currently pursuing her PhD in Physical Education at Mangalore University, India. Research interests are in teaching pedagogies, professional practice, technology-enhanced learning in physical education, curriculum development, and sports performance assessments.

Alifereti Cawanibuka

Alifereti Cawanibuka is a former Principal at the Fiji College of Advanced Education, Nasinu, Fiji Islands.