Development of a setting specific comprehensive physical education programme for South African primary schools located in disadvantaged neighbourhoods - grades 4-7

Background Exercise is a relevant part of a healthy development of children. At least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity should be achieved daily by children to maintain and develop physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills. Today, many children with a western lifestyle move less than the recommended hour per day. A development that is also evident in deprived areas in South Africa, a low- to middle-income country. Method Physical activity in schools assumes an important function of promoting physical activity. Through scientific research and in collaboration with local teachers, experts and consultants, an adapted and simple lesson plan has been developed to be implemented in schools from disadvantaged areas in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. During a field stay from October to November 2017, the content of lessons was tested in pilot schools and the pedagogical-didactic concept of the teaching material was adapted and refined accordingly. Results A total of 128 lessons including appropriate assessments were developed by the KaziBantu physical education team. This equates to a 40-minute physical education lesson per week for primary school grades 4-7 during a 32-week school year. All lessons are based on the content of the South African curriculum and promote the motor and emotional skills of children in a varied and age-appropriate way. Discussion The KaziBantu teaching materials are still in the final stages of development. The implementation of the developed teaching materials will show what impact can be achieved on children's health parameters. The KaziBantu physical education team is aware of the difficult setting and that the implementation of the teaching material in the next few years should be a dynamic process that needs to be adapted