NOFP, Miglena Molhova, FDCBPCS, Bulgaria 27-28 October 2016, Italy Physical education in Bulgarian schools: problems, successes, NOFP experience

General framework of the physical education and sports in Bulgaria Law of physical education and sports: Defines in a better way the statute of sport organizations (clubs, federations) and the process of their licensing; Anti-doping policy; Medical control of people, who act as trainers and coaches, and people, who train in sport clubs; Clearer regulations for the use of sport infrastructure; Financial policy for state and municipal financing of sport, including of sport activities, implemented in schools;

General framework of the physical education and sports in Bulgaria Law on preschool and school education School education can be profiled specifically in the field of sports (sport schools); For sport purposes schools can use state and municipal sport infrastructure free of charge, following the specific rules and timings, determined by these authorities; 85 hours of physical education per year (on average 2-3 hours per week);

State initiatives to encourage sport and physical education “Your hour” – offers a platform for registration of schools and other organizations, who seek and offer services for kids "Development of sports for students“ Program "Learn to swim“ Program "Children and Sports Club" Program "Sports for children at risk" "Program for development of sport for all"

School education and sports: factors that influence the attitude of students towards physical education 2014 Study in Bulgarian schools shows the main factors, which attract students to physical education classes Why do you prefer this subject? Because of the ability to acquire knowledge, skills and competencies needed in life 58.2% Due to the interesting study material 53.16% Because of the future possibilities it reveals 29.11% Improves health and my physical condition 50.63% Improves my relationships with classmates 22.78% Urges me to do physical activity outside school 40.51% Urges me to do sports more seriously at clubs            21.52% Because in it I am very successful 62.03% Improves my emotional state 78.48% Improves my self-esteem 49.37% Because it is fun 35.44% Because of the teacher's authority 70.89%

School education and sports: factors that influence the attitude of students towards physical education 2014 Study in Bulgarian schools shows the main factors, which attract students to physical education classes What attracts you to physical education classes? Good organization of classes 58.23% The use a variety of means 48.10% Classes are emotional and interesting 69.62% The value of the acquired knowledge 56.96% Using the knowledge and experience acquired at school 26.58% Striving for physical perfection 22.78% Opportunity for expression 49.37% Increases my self-esteem 54.43% The personal qualities of the teacher                                     67.09% Achieving high success

Problems in physical education at Bulgarian schools Infrastructure – in the past schools had a big (12,5/25 m) or small (9,15/19 m) gymnasium or open areas where they could have the PE classes. At present there are school where the gymnasiums are in very bad conditions and are practically not used, schools that have organized a classroom for having physical education classes there; schools, without gymnasiums at all; often two or more classes of students have physical education together. Irrational use of infrastructure – first two classes in the morning the gymnasium is empty, for the 3rd hour there are 2 classes having their PE lessons together. Teacher preferences – for gymnasiums to be used instead of students to be let to do the physical activity outside in open space.

Problems in physical education at Bulgarian schools Teachers’ competences – in high schools usually teachers with specific competences in PE, but in primary schools the PE classes are lead from general teachers. In small schools, which cannot afford to have a specialist PE classes are again lead from general teachers. Inability of teachers to differentiate types of physical activities by gender. Inadequate control of the physical educational process. Disparity between the minimum physical activity of young people necessary at certain age and the conditions that provide it with respect to the school environment. Schools curricula - decreased physical activity and a significant increase in sensory-neural load.

The project experience in Bulgaria: benefits of the NOFP project Possibilities for teacher training in the field of PE – rarely in Bulgaria the PE teachers are subject of interest from the legislative bodies in the field of further education and qualification; Broadening the concept of PE – instrument to promote social inclusion, to help with students’ motivation, to promote ethics in behavior, to broaden the possibilities for interdisciplinary studies and activities, to support the acquisition of life skills from students;

The project experience in Bulgaria: methodology to secure a real impact Work with our associated partners and sport organizations to reach schools to urge change in curriculum with regard to sports; Work with trainers and coaches from sport clubs, who work in schools with kids to reach individual teachers in general subjects and teachers in PE; Work with school directors for dissemination of the project materials – offering possibilities for further qualification of teachers, so they have also personal motivation to use the project materials in their practice.

Thank you for your attention! NOFP, Miglena Molhova, FDCBPCS, Bulgaria 27-28 October 2016, Italy