This easy-to-use introduction explores all of the contemporary issues and enduring themes in physical education, focusing on the United Kingdom but incorporating a global dimension. The wide range of topics covered include: (1) the requirements of National Curriculum Physical Education; (2) the current "state" of physical education; (3) the relationship between physical education and sport; (4) extra-curricular physical education; (5) lifelong participation in sport and physical activity; (6) assessment and examinations in physical education; (7) social class, gender, ethnicity and inclusion in relation to physical education; and (8) teacher training and continuing professional development. The book contains twelve chapters: (1) The Nature and Purposes of Physical Education; (2) Policy and Physical Education; (3) The "State" of Physical Education; (4) Extra-Curricular Physical Education; (5) Assessment and Examinations in Physical Education; (6) Health and Physical Education; (7) Youth Sport and Physical Education; (8) Gender and Physical Education; (9) Social Class and Physical Education; (10) Ethnicity and Physical Education; (11) Disability and Physical Education; and (12) Teaching Physical Education.