Abstract:
Physical education plays a crucial role in promoting the holistic development of students, contributing to their physical health, social skills, and cognitive abilities. However, disparities in the quality of physical education programs between different schools may influence students' overall educational experiences. The present study aims to investigate and compare the quality of physical education teaching in government and private secondary schools in Bahir Dar Administrative City. A qualitative case study was used to achieve the objectives of this research. In-depth interviews, observation and document analysis were conducted to obtain qualitative insights into the various factors influencing the quality of physical education delivery. The findings of this study shed light on several critical aspects. Data analysis revealed significant disparities in the quality of physical education teaching between private and public secondary schools. Private schools tend to offer better facilities, a more extensive range of extracurricular activities, and highly qualified instructors, whereas government schools often face resource limitations and reduced access to modern sports equipment. However, the study also found that certain government schools exhibit exemplary practices, which could serve as models for improvement. The implications of these findings call for targeted efforts from educational policymakers and school administrators to bridge the gap in physical education quality between government and private secondary schools. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the current state of physical education in Bahir Dar Administrative City and offers evidence-based recommendations to enhance the quality of physical education teaching across secondary schools.