While 1990 saw the general availability
of 'A' level examinations in Physical
Education and Sport Studies, it was not
until 1993 that the Scottish 'equivalent',
Higher Grade Physical Education (HGPE),
became available, with the first examinations
taking place in 1994. Although 'A'
level and Higher Grade target the same
age group (17 and 18 year olds), Higher
Grade study in Scotland has, until the
recent introduction of the Higher Still
development, normally been completed
within one year compared to two years
for 'A' level. HGPE aims to develop
concepts that are introduced within
Standard Grade Physical Education
(SGPE) . SGPE became available in
Scottish secondary schools in 1988 and
is a two-year course primarily undertaken
by pupils aged 15 and 16 years
old.
Since the introduction of 'A' level PE
and Sport Studies, very little has been
written regarding its uptake, beyond
reporting the number of people entered
for either 'A' level and the grades achieved.
Apart from Carroll's (1995) research, no
work has reported on pupils' reasons
for choosing to do 'A' level in either PE
or Sport Studies. Sadly, there is a similar
dearth of knowledge north of the border
in relation to pupils' reasons for choosing
to do HGPE. Although a number of
authors (including Cooper, 1995 and the
ILEA, 1988) have encouraged the PE
profession to examine the reasons given
by pupils which affect their decision to
choose PE at certain levels, there have
been no attempts to formally investigate
pupils ' reasons for choosing or choosing
not to do HGPE. This article reports
from part of a larger research study
pupils' reasons for choosing or choosing
the more frequently mentioned reasons
given by either group
