Exploring the perspectives of Basic pupils' motor and swimming competencies in the development of quality physical education in primary schools

This study investigated the level of basic motor and swimming competencies in younger school-age children (grades 1-3, 1st cycle of primary school) to address recognized global deficits in Quality Physical Education (QPE), particularly the lack of specialized teacher training for accurate skill assessment. Two standardized test batteries were employed: the MOBAK test battery for motor skills (n=258, ages 6-9) and the Water Basic Competence (WABAC) test battery for swimming competency (n=1,875, grades 1-3). MOBAK results indicated complex, non-linear developmental trends in motor skills. While participants showed proficiency in Self-Movement skills (Mean 6.10/8), a chronic deficit was found in Throwing (stagnant low scores), and an unexpected performance decline after age seven was observed in Jumping and Catching. Conversely, WABAC results demonstrated a clear and significant improvement in swimming competence across all test items with increasing grade and age (mean item scores rose from 2.00-2.52 in Grade 1 to 2.41-2.68 in Grade 3), confirming the importance of systematic instruction. The findings affirm the suitability and efficacy of the MOBAK and WABAC batteries as tools for accurately differentiating pupil competency levels, highlighting specific skill deficits, and informing targeted interventions to improve QPE in primary schools.