Mario Mallia is a lecturer at the Institute for Education, specialising in critical pedagogy, gender studies, and science education. With over sixteen years as Head of School, he also served on national equality and education boards. A strong advocate of the cooperative model, he has led initiatives establishing student and educator cooperatives, including one creating meaningful employment opportunities for students with disabilities. He remains active in educational, social, and political engagement.

This qualitative study explores how gender dynamics shape inclusion and equity in Physical Education (PE) following Malta’s 2014 co-education reform. Through observations and interviews with Year 11 students, findings reveal how gender, body image, and fitness perceptions influence participation. The study highlights teachers’ central role in either reinforcing or challenging these patterns and advocates for PE as a socially conscious practice promoting critical reflection and transformative action.