Physical education has yet to become an established and important feature in Australian and English school programs. At one level physical education has enjoyed considerable political support, acquired support from athletes and secured a place on Australia and England's national curriculum. However on another level physical education has been the subject of crisis meetings in Australia, on the verge of being wiped out in later secondary school education in England and had numerous reviews. So why is physical education important? The major factor being the increasing rise in obesity, but also children appear to have less knowledge of physical skill, lack fitness and are very inactive is a few reasons why physical education needs remain in the curriculum but also gain greater priority.

The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the national curriculum for physical education (PE) in Australia and England and comment on any...