Personal development, health and physical education in context: Muslim andcatholic perspectives

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.