Abstract
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Enjoyment of physical education (PE) is frequently cited as a
legitimate outcome in many PE curricula in Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations (Dudley et al., 2011). The
purpose of this study was to examine how student enjoyment of PE changed
during the first two years of secondary schooling in Australia. Participants were
586 students enrolled in six culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)
secondary schools (2 x co-educational, 2 x all girls’ and 2 x all boys’). A
prospective cohort design was used with data collected using the Physical
Activity Enjoyment Scale (PE version) (PACES PE). There was a small
(MD = –1.8, d = –0.30) but significant (p < .001) decline in overall enjoyment
of PE between Grade 7 and Grade 8. The decline in enjoyment of PE was
greatest among girls (regardless of school-type) and having to change uniforms
had the largest negative effect (d = –0.42) of that decline. Peer relationships
had the largest negative effect (d = –0.40) on boys enjoyment of PE. It is
recommended that schools examine PE uniform policies and increasing teacher
and peer support strategies in PE to maintain enjoyment during middle/high
school.