Defining and Unpacking Physical Literacy
Perspectives from Australia, Canada, India, Greater China and England
This webinar invited Professor John Cairney (School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia), who talked about Australia and Canada; Professor Raymond Sum (Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) Faculty of Education, Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Chinese University of Hong Kong) who talked about the Greater China Region; Amit Malik (IPLA International Lead) who talked about India; and Charlie Crane (Senior Manager – Children and Young People at Sport England) who talked about developments in England.
John, Raymond, Amit and Charlie were asked to share how their definition of physical literacy had been unpacked within their country and reflect on the positive developments that have taken place, along with any issues they felt were apparent.
Key points raised included:
- The importance and issue of language when trying to describe a concept, to ensure simplicity but clarity.
- How key principles underpin all of the definitions and why we may choose to focus on these rather than the differences in definitions.
- How culture and associated philosophies, such as Taoism, Confucianism and Holism, have a natural affinity with physical literacy.
- The influence of Olympism, Health, Sport and Education, have been key drivers in the promotion and adoption of physical literacy.
- The importance of academic research being applied to practitioner understanding.
- The importance of wider sector stakeholders embracing the concept.
- The challenge of influences from WHO in relation to the number of active minutes to promote healthy citizens rather than a focus on quality physical activity experiences influencing individuals to flourish in throughout their lives.
Lessons Learned: It is important that academics, practitioners and sector stakeholders have a clear understanding of the concept of physical literacy to enable them to provide appropriate environments and experiences that encourage everyone to be active throughout their lives.
Next Steps: The IPLA will be running a series of webinars. If you would like to share aspects related to physical literacy and feel that you have valuable experience that could be shared, then please contact us at https://www.physical-literacy.org.uk/contact-us/ . Also, if there are any aspects of physical literacy that you would like us to share through webinars, then again please contact us.