Scottish PE Teachers Call for Action on PE Shortages
The Scottish Association of Teachers of Physical Education (SATPE) has urged the Scottish Government to renew its commitment to providing primary school pupils with at least two hours of quality physical education (PE) each week. More than a decade after the original pledge in 2011, many schools are still failing to meet this target. A survey of over 300 primary teachers conducted by SATPE highlighted key barriers to quality PE, including overcrowded timetables, limited gym and sports facilities, a lack of specialist support, and insufficient allocated PE hours. Last month, SATPE launched its “Make Time for PE” campaign, calling on the government and education authorities to take concrete steps. The association is urging the development of a national strategy that reaffirms PE as a core part of the curriculum. It also emphasised the need to invest in professional development, from initial teacher training to postgraduate programmes and lifelong learning, as well as employing more PE specialists to work alongside classroom teachers to improve lesson quality. SATPE officials stressed that physical education is “not an optional subject but a cornerstone of a healthy and successful life,” and called on the government and education bodies to act.