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Developing 'whole people': a case-study of a sports-friendly school
,
Denise Hill ,
Chris. G. Harwood,
Kristoffer Henriksen
Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, Volume: 17, Issue: 5, Pages: 416 - 434
Swansea University Authors:
Reuben Poole, Camilla Knight, Vicky Lovett , Denise Hill
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DOI (Published version): 10.1080/2159676x.2025.2521860
Abstract
The purpose of this current study was to explore how a whole person approach was conceptualised and supported within a sports-friendly school in the United Kingdom. A holistic, single case study methodology was used. Data collection occurred over an eleven-month period through observations, informal...
| Published in: | Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health |
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| ISSN: | 2159-676X 2159-6778 |
| Published: |
Informa UK Limited
2025
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69749 |
| Abstract: |
The purpose of this current study was to explore how a whole person approach was conceptualised and supported within a sports-friendly school in the United Kingdom. A holistic, single case study methodology was used. Data collection occurred over an eleven-month period through observations, informal conversations, and semi-structured interviews with 64 individuals (37 males, 27 females). Data were analysed following guidance by Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña (2019). Analysis led to the identification of a desire from participants for a whole person approach to encompass more than acknowledging individuals as whole people, to proactively targeting the development of the whole person. Three factors were seen to influence such development: quality social interaction, exposure to opportunities and people, and having autonomy and responsibility over development. Findings illustrated that the sport-school fostered social interaction through exposing adolescents to a range of settings, such as small class sizes and shared living. Staff’s expertise and connections, along with varied extracurricular activities, enabled tailored learning experiences. Although developing whole persons was seen as important, factors were perceived to both support and hinder across the sports-friendly school environment. |
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| Keywords: |
Adolescents, dual career, holistic ecological approach, personal development, social interactions |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
Swansea University |
| Issue: |
5 |
| Start Page: |
416 |
| End Page: |
434 |