• What is physical literacy?
• What are the benefits of being physically literate?

The term physical literacy describes the motivation, confidence, physical competence, understanding and knowledge that individuals develop in order to maintain physical activity at an appropriate level throughout their life. Physical literacy encompasses far more than physical education in schools or structured sporting activities, offering instead a broader conception of physical activity, unrelated to ability. Through the use of particular pedagogies and the adoption of new modes of thinking, physical literacy promises more realistic models of physical competence and physical activity for a wider population, offering opportunities for everyone to become active and motivated participants.

This is the first book to fully explore the meaning and significance of this important and emerging concept, and also the first book to apply the concept to physical activity across the lifecourse, from infancy to old age. Physical Literacy explaining the philosophical rationale behind the concept and also including contributions from leading thinkers, educationalists and practitioners is essential reading for all students and professionals working in physical education, all areas of sport and exercise, and health.

Physical Literacy across the World records the progress of the concept of physical literacy over the last decade. It examines developments, issues and controversies in physical literacy studies, and looks at how the concept has been implemented around the world. Contributions from practitioners and researchers across the world tell unique stories of the way physical literacy is changing perceptions of physical activity through research and the generation of scholarly writing, the creation of new national and local policies, and the development of partnerships with a range of professions. The book argues that physical literacy has value beyond formal education, such as in occupational and recreational settings, as well as for early years children and older people, and shows how life story methods can explain our physical literacy journeys. At root, it sets out a case for the significance and value of physical literacy as making a notable contribution to human flourishing. This is important reading for anyone with an interest in physical activity, health and well-being, sport studies, physical education, or the philosophy related to physical activity.

• What is physical literacy?
• What are the benefits of being physically literate?

The term 'physical literacy' describes the motivation, confidence, physical competence, understanding and knowledge that individuals develop in order to maintain physical activity at an appropriate level throughout their life. Physical literacy encompasses far more than physical education in schools or structured sporting activities, offering instead a broader conception of physical activity, unrelated to ability. Through the use of particular pedagogies and the adoption of new modes of thinking, physical literacy promises more realistic models of physical competence and physical activity for a wider population, offering opportunities for everyone to become active and motivated participants.

This is the first book to fully explore the meaning and significance of this important and emerging concept, and also the first book to apply the concept to physical activity across the lifecourse, from infancy to old age. Physical Literacy - explaining the philosophical rationale behind the concept and also including contributions from leading thinkers, educationalists and practitioners - is essential reading for all students and professionals working in physical education, all areas of sport and exercise, and health.

There is a growing sense that the "health gap" between socioeconomic groups is getting worse in many countries. To address this gap, conceptual clarity and empirical evidence are needed along with a greater focus on equity in policy-making. This book is designed to present cutting-edge research and policy analysis to a wide non-specialist readership of students, professionals and policy-makers. It brings together in one volume new perspectives on the conceptual foundations of health equity, empirical evidence on the scale and nature of he inequities in health in twelve countries around the world, and assessments of the associated policy developments and their implications for the future. It aims to help build global capacity to measure, monitor and interpret developments in health equity at a national and international level. The in-depth country analyses draw on epidemiology, demography, economics and other fields to approach health inequalities from several different angles. The topics covered range from adolescent livelihoods in Tanzania to the health burden of indigenous peoples in Mexico, from health equity in Japan to the gender gap in life expectancy in Russia. The book is a unique demonstration of global cooperation in bringing together and giving equal weight to work on health equity carried out in the southern and northern hemispheres.

Physical Literacy across the World records the progress of the concept of physical literacy over the last decade. It examines developments, issues and controversies in physical literacy studies, and looks at how the concept has been implemented around the world. Contributions from practitioners and researchers across the world tell unique stories of the way physical literacy is changing perceptions of physical activity through research and the generation of scholarly writing, the creation of new national and local policies, and the development of partnerships with a range of professions. The book argues that physical literacy has value beyond formal education, such as in occupational and recreational settings, as well as for early years children and older people, and shows how life story methods can explain our physical literacy journeys. At root, it sets out a case for the significance and value of physical literacy as making a notable contribution to human flourishing. This is important reading for anyone with an interest in physical activity, health and well-being, sport studies, physical education, or the philosophy related to physical activity.

Debates in Physical Education explores major issues physical education teachers encounter in their daily professional lives. It engages with established and contemporary debates, promotes and supports critical reflection and aims to stimulate both novice and experienced teachers to reach informed judgements and argue their own point of view with deeper theoretical knowledge and understanding. In addition, concerns for the short, medium and long term future of the subject are voiced, with a variety of new approaches proposed.

Key issues debated include:

• What are the aims of physical education?
• What should be covered in a physical education curriculum?
• How should we judge success in physical education?
• Is physical education really for all or is it just for the gifted and talented?
• Can physical education really combat the rise in obesity?
• What is the future for physical education in the 21st Century?

Debates in Physical Education makes a timely and significant contribution to addressing current contentious issues in physical education. With its combination of expert opinion and fresh insight, this book is the ideal companion for all student and practising teachers engaged in initial teacher education, continuing professional development and Masters level study.