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Challenges Affecting Physical Education Delivery in a Guyanese Secondary School


Authors : Kevin Singh

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 10 - October


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2xwm8b9t

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26Oct541

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This study explored the challenges affecting the effective delivery of physical education (PE) in a secondary school in Region Four, Guyana. An interpretivist qualitative case study design was used to examine the experiences of staff responsible for PE provision and school administration. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six participants: four PE teachers, one senior administrator, and one timetable officer. Interviews lasted approximately 30–45 minutes and were audio-recorded with consent. Thematic analysis combined deductive categories informed by the literature with inductive coding of participants’ accounts. Five interconnected themes were identified: curriculum time allocation, facilities and equipment, teacher competence and professional development, leadership and administrative support, and student engagement. Participants reported that competing academic priorities displaced PE lessons, equipment shortages and inadequate indoor facilities disrupted provision, and limited professional development constrained pedagogical variety. Leadership support was perceived as uneven, while staff accounts suggested that a narrow emphasis on football and cricket limited inclusive participation. Student engagement findings reflected staff perceptions rather than direct student testimony. The findings suggest a need to protect curriculum time, improve access to facilities and equipment, strengthen continuing professional development, and diversify activities through practical leadership support. As a single-school study with a small staff sample, the research offers context-specific insights rather than findings generalisable to all Guyanese schools.

Keywords : Physical Education, Secondary Education, Educational Leadership, Qualitative Case Study, Guyana.

References :

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This study explored the challenges affecting the effective delivery of physical education (PE) in a secondary school in Region Four, Guyana. An interpretivist qualitative case study design was used to examine the experiences of staff responsible for PE provision and school administration. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six participants: four PE teachers, one senior administrator, and one timetable officer. Interviews lasted approximately 30–45 minutes and were audio-recorded with consent. Thematic analysis combined deductive categories informed by the literature with inductive coding of participants’ accounts. Five interconnected themes were identified: curriculum time allocation, facilities and equipment, teacher competence and professional development, leadership and administrative support, and student engagement. Participants reported that competing academic priorities displaced PE lessons, equipment shortages and inadequate indoor facilities disrupted provision, and limited professional development constrained pedagogical variety. Leadership support was perceived as uneven, while staff accounts suggested that a narrow emphasis on football and cricket limited inclusive participation. Student engagement findings reflected staff perceptions rather than direct student testimony. The findings suggest a need to protect curriculum time, improve access to facilities and equipment, strengthen continuing professional development, and diversify activities through practical leadership support. As a single-school study with a small staff sample, the research offers context-specific insights rather than findings generalisable to all Guyanese schools.

Keywords : Physical Education, Secondary Education, Educational Leadership, Qualitative Case Study, Guyana.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - October - 2026

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