The transfer of pupils from primary to secondary school: A case study of a foundation subject: Physical education

A series of transitions, from class to class, year to year and school to school, is integral to the education system in England. The transfer of pupils from primary to secondary education is an important stage of transition. Models for managing this transfer highlight different aspects of the experience, including social/pastoral integration, curriculum continuity and the progression of individual pupils. This study investigated the transfer of pupils from primary to secondary school in relation to physical education. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen secondary school PE heads of department. The results showed that although all the heads of department reported the transfer of pupils from primary to secondary school to be very important in relation to physical education, this was not translated into practice. There was limited involvement in activities supporting the transfer, and what involvement there was placed greater emphasis on activities to support social/pastoral integration than to support continuity and progression for individual pupils during transfer. Some possible reasons for these results are considered, along with suggestions for further research.