Dm. Mcinerney et al., Personal development, health and physical education in context: Muslim andcatholic perspectives, AUST J EDUC, 44(1), 2000, pp. 26-42
This research examines potential barriers to learning Personal Development,
Health and Physical Education in schools characterised by religious divers
ity. Year 9 students at four high schools were surveyed. Participants compl
eted a self report instrument designed to reflect key components of the PDH
PE curriculum. Although most respondents valued the PDHPE program, there we
re a number of important differences in attitudes between the Muslim and th
e Catholic groups. More of the Muslim group were concerned that cultural va
lues made it difficult to engage in PDHPE related activities than the Catho
lic group. Up to 40 per cent of Muslim students have problems with issues s
uch as dress, public display, independence and cultural values and the PDHP
E program. Fewer Muslim students were in favour of mixed-sex activities and
fewer Muslim students appeared to value and like the PDHPE program. These
differences may act as barriers to the successful teaching and learning of
PDHPE in these schools.