Working towards inclusive physical education in a primary school: 'some days I just don't get it right' Background In Aotearoa New Zealand, as it is internationally, there is a desire to ensure physical education is inclusive of all students regardless of their abilities. Yet medical discourses associated with disability continue to position students who are perceived as not having the capacity to participate fully in traditional physical education programmes as the teacher's 'helper', 'helped' or 'helpless'. As a result, these students may have negative experiences of physical education and this can impact on future involvement in movement-related activities within school and community settings. Methodology Drawing on the data from a larger critical participatory action research project we explore how one primary school teacher, Joel, attempted to work more inclusively within physical education. Specifically, we draw from personal journaling, student work and records of dialogical conversations to shed light on Joel's experiences. Conclusion Joel's experience demonstrates there is not one singular solution to inclusion within physical education and it is a combination of actions that support this process. In Joel's case this included becoming a reflexing practitioner, getting to know his students, being respective to difference in positive ways rather than seeing this as limiting, working imaginatively to reconsider what constitutes learning in physical education, and sharing ownership for curriculum design and learning with his students. Working in this way illustrates how a multi-layered approach can make a difference to how all the students in a class experience inclusion, including students positioned as disabled.
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