Physical Education and Sport in Albanian Upper-Secondary Schools: Students’ Perceptions and Implications for School Curriculum 2030

Physical education and sport are essential components of holistic education, supporting adolescents’ physical, psychological, social, and cognitive development. This study examined upper-secondary students’ perceptions of physical education and sport, their participation in physical activity, the influence of personal and family factors, and their expectations regarding school-based activities within the framework of School Curriculum 2030. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 206 students aged 15–18 years from three upper-secondary schools in Tirana, Albania. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentage distributions. More than 98% of students recognized sport as important for a healthy lifestyle, while approximately 50% considered the current amount of physical education sufficient for their well-being. However, approximately 80% reported that their physical activity was largely limited to school physical education lessons. Personal preferences were an important factor in participation (46.32%), while approximately 24% reported little or no family influence. Furthermore, 30.65% preferred different games and activities according to their interests. The findings reveal a gap between students’ positive perceptions of physical activity and their actual participation outside school, highlighting the strategic role of schools in promoting accessible and inclusive physical activity. Strengthening physical education through student-centered activities, interdisciplinary learning, and school sport programs may contribute to a healthier, more active, and inclusive school environment within School Curriculum 2030.