Happiness Factories: A success-driven approach to holistic Physical Education

Book excerpt: Happiness Factories explores the ideas, concepts and arguments behind an expanded focus in physical education beyond just the physical. It attempts to discuss the value and benefits of identifying other aspects - whether we call these 'holistic strands', 'character traits', 'life skills' or something else - that we can introduce into our curriculum design to identify other areas that our subject potentially touches on and influences. Taking the reflections and thoughts of PE educators, leaders and academics from across the world, Happiness Factories will seek to offer reflections and practical ideas for adapting PE provision to widen the impact for all pupils, regardless of their specific contexts and the book argues that a physically rich, dynamic and context-driven curriculum approach will expand opportunities for success for all, in turn inspiring future generations of PE pupils to strive for greater engagement, understanding and progression in all aspects of PE. Happiness Factories is the story of the author's career in PE, reflecting on the lessons he has learned, with the successes (and failures) along the way. It presents an alternative view of what modern, meaningful PE can look like and encourages all PE teachers, regardless of their unique context, to reflect on their own practice and the emphasis of the provision they give to their pupils.