Swiss high school students' perceptions of physical education: The influence of gender and environmental factors

Abstract

Problem Statement. In Switzerland, physical education (P.E.) is a mandatory part of the educational curriculum, playing a crucial role in the holistic development of students at both primary and secondary levels. Its primary goals are to promote psychophysical growth and encourage lifelong physical activity. This study aims to examine Swiss high school students' attitudes towards physical education, including their perceptions of its importance, their self-reported grades, opinions on the current amount of P.E. hours, and their intentions to participate in recreational sports after graduation. Material and methods. In this study, the relationship is explored between gender, the sizes of students’ residential areas, and their attitudes towards physical education. A total of 412 high school students from a large city and a small town in Switzerland participated in the research. The study is divided into two parts: first, the relative importance of physical education compared to other subjects is assessed using a "scale of values". Then, students' attitudes towards physical education are analysed through the "Attitudes and Behaviours Questionnaire Towards Sports Activity and Physical Education". Results. The research results demonstrate positive attitudes among Swiss students towards physical education. There is notable interest in the subject, particularly among boys, and a widespread desire for more P.E. hours at school. Students, regardless of gender or the population of their place of residence, report achieving good grades in P.E. and express intentions to continue participating in sports after graduation. Conclusions. The findings reveal that students generally have a positive view towards school physical education. These attitudes suggest that educators should consider these preferences when planning and conducting P.E. lessons. By aligning lessons with students' interests and attitudes, teachers can create more engaging and effective P.E. programmes.