Curriculum liquefaction (Shifting Sands) in senior school physical education in New Zealand: Critical pedagogical approaches and dilemmas

Abstract

This article explores the ongoing evolution of a critical approach to teaching physical education in senior school physical education (SSPE) within a New Zealand context. The nature and development of SSPE is briefly discussed in order to contextualise a shift toward a critical pedagogy in light of recent curriculum changes that focus on sociocritical perspectives within health and physical education (HPE). The adoption of critical pedagogy within SSPE is critiqued through the presentation of a range of critical pedagogical approaches, and through an exploration of the limitations inherent within such an approach. The possibility of a postcritical pedagogy for SSPE in 21st century Aotearoa/New Zealand is introduced in response to traditional critical pedagogical limitations