Physical Education Curricula in Europe—The Dimensions of Goals and Contents

Salin, K; Vlček, P; Elsborg, P; D’Anna, C; Lundvall, S; Pavlova, I; Goss, H; Iconomescu, TM; Algurén, B; Antala, B; Bartle, G; Birch, JE; Black, V; Bryant, A; Carlos-Vivas, J; Cowley, J; Christodoulides, E; Csanyi, T; Emeljanovas, A; Fernate, A; Foweather, L; Gilic, B; Gisladottir, T; Green, N; Eren, G; Groffik, D; Heck, S; van Hilvoorde, I; Huhtiniemi, M; Jaunig, J; Jones, E; Jurak, G; Kelso, A; Koka, A; Kreinbucher-Bekerle, C; Laudańska-Krzemińska, I; De Martelaer, K; Martins, J; Masanovic, B; McFlynn, P; McKee, M; Mendoza-Muñoz, M; Merkes, J; Mieziene, B; Milanovíc, I; Mileva, E; Mouton, A; Müller, I; Németh, Z; O’Brien, W; Onofre, M; Winje, Ø; Petrytsa, P; Pihu, M; Popeska, B; Popovic, S; Poweleit, A; Radisavljević Janić, S; Riga, V; Sander Melby, P; Schnitzer, C; Sekulic, D; Semyonova, M; Singh, A; Smila, B; Olaru, BS; Töpfer, C; Tsivitanidou, O; Vasickova, J; Venetsanou, F; Yildizer, G; Zito, V; Carl, J

Physical Education Curricula in Europe—The Dimensions of Goals and Contents

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Salin, K ORCID: 0000-0001-6937-4535, Vlček, P, Elsborg, P, D’Anna, C, Lundvall, S, Pavlova, I, Goss, H ORCID: 0000-0002-4264-6673, Iconomescu, TM, Algurén, B, Antala, B, Bartle, G, Birch, JE, Black, V, Bryant, A, Carlos-Vivas, J, Cowley, J, Christodoulides, E, Csanyi, T, Emeljanovas, A, Fernate, A ORCID: 0000-0003-0949-170X et al (2026) Physical Education Curricula in Europe—The Dimensions of Goals and Contents. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. pp. 1-13. ISSN 0273-5024

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Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2025-0234

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines progressive development of physical education (PE) curricula across 40 European countries, emphasising conceptual ideas, curriculum goals and content.

Methods: Using a mixed-method approach, the study employed an expert-informed online survey developed through expert consultations to ensure validity and alignment with PE principles. Quantitative data were examined using descriptive distribution analyses with SPSS 29.0. Qualitative responses were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis supported by ATLAS.ti for data organisation.

Results: The findings demonstrate a diverse interpretation of PE conceptualisations, which include health promotion, physical literacy, movement competence and recreational goals. While most curricula emphasise psychomotor learning and inclusion, affective learning remains underrepresented. Variability in curricula goals and content underscores significant regional differences.

Conclusion: Across Europe, PE curricula increasingly reflects a shared commitment to holistic and inclusive approaches. These approaches position PE as a vital component of contemporary education. Nevertheless, greater attention to both affective and cognitive learning dimensions remains essential to promote sustainable lifelong engagement in physical activity.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy; Sport Sciences; 3901 Curriculum and pedagogy
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1705 Education and training of teachers and administrators
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Human Kinetics
Date of acceptance:	6 June 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	3 October 2026
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2026 16:11
Last Modified:	03 Oct 2026 00:50
DOI or ID number:	10.1123/jtpe.2025-0234
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29519

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