‘Writing is not like doing’: girls’ views and perceptions of physical education provision in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Girls’ experiences in Physical Education (PE) is an established area of research in the Western world. Yet, a lack of research on girls’ unique challenges and experiences in various parts of the world creates a gap in understanding how cultural, educational, social and economic factors affect girls’ experiences. The present study was designed to examine girls’ views and experiences of the implementation of PE in female-only state schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The national context of KSA is unique, with PE only recently being incorporated in girls’ curriculum, as part of a national reform effort to improve the quality of education and to empower girls (Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030). Between September-December 2022, 30 girls (aged 12–15) from three secondary schools were recruited to be study participants. A total of seven focus groups (with an average of 4–5 girls per group) were carried out utilizing interactive, participatory research activities. Two main themes are reported. Firstly, most girls persistently talked about the development of movement competency as a catalyst for personal growth and the accruement of health benefits. PE was also seen as a gateway for female empowerment, equitable access to sports, including competition in traditional non-female sports. Yet, girls expressed concerns about the lack of practical opportunities in PE, limited resources and teachers’ lack of expertise, which all appeared to affect their confidence in participating in PE and physical activity. The strength of the girls’ voice in the present study reinforces the need for careful (re)consideration of the PE curriculum to better align provision with girls’ interests in a genuine attempt to treat them fairly. To drive change in PE and advance future research, directing further investment towards appropriate professional development would better support teachers to review and improve the quality of provision.<br/><br/>