Physical Education

Introduction

Congratulations on successfully securing a conditional place on the PGCE Secondary Physical Education programme!

Welcome to our pre-course preparation for the Secondary PE PGCE training programme. We are dedicated to supporting your transition from a passionate sportsperson and fitness enthusiast into an outstanding PE teacher. This programme will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to help you thrive in your new role and to inspire the next generation. We will achieve this through:

Transforming Your Passion for Physical Activity into Exceptional Teaching:

• Subject Knowledge and Curriculum: Deepen your understanding of the Physical Education curriculum for England, including the National Curriculum, assessment criteria, and current trends in PE pedagogy & practice.

• Unlocking Student Potential in Physical Activity: Explore the unique challenges and motivations students face in PE. Learn how students develop physical literacy, movement skills, and a lifelong love of physical activity. 

• Essential Skills for Planning Effective Learning Opportunities (Theory and Practice): Master the art of crafting engaging lesson plans, for both theoretical classroom-based PE content and practical activities & skill development. You will learn how to adapt activities to cater to diverse needs and abilities, assess students' progress in all areas of PE (including health and well-being), and provide constructive feedback to propel their physical development, metacognition, teamwork, and enjoyment.

Developing a Repertoire of Engaging Teaching Strategies:

• Practical PE Instruction: We will provide opportunities to refine your own practical skills and knowledge across a range of sports and physical activities. This will ensure you can confidently demonstrate and lead activities in your lessons.

• Diverse Teaching Strategies for PE: Develop a repertoire of Pedagogical techniques tailored to different age groups, interests, and student capabilities. This will help ensure effective participation, skill acquisition, and a positive learning environment in both theoretical and practical PE lessons.

Programme Structure and Focus:

• Modelling Best Practices: Throughout the programme, we will demonstrate high-quality PE instruction for you to observe, and you will learn from exceptional teachers. This will encompass both theoretical content delivery and practical activity leadership.

• Evidence-Based Approach: Our programme is built upon proven methods that ensure successful and engaging PE experiences for all students. 

• Reflective Practice: We will provide opportunities for focused discussions and the practice of effective PE teaching strategies, both theoretical and practical. This will hone your ability to critically analyse your teaching and continuously improve your practice.

Developing Your Physical Education Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PE PCK):

• Foundational Physical Literacy Concepts: We will emphasise the core concepts and skills crucial for student success in PE. A strong foundation is essential for fostering a lifelong love of movement.

• Engaging with Challenging Activities: We'll tackle challenging physical skills and activities that students often find difficult. You'll not only refine your own skills but also learn effective strategies to make these activities clear, safe, and engaging for your students.

• Assessment Strategies for PE: Gain valuable insights into effective assessment methods aligned with the National Curriculum and exam board specifications for PE. This equips you to accurately assess students' progress in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and provide them with meaningful feedback to support their further development.

• Subject and Pedagogical Knowledge Audit: We will guide you through self-assessing your subject knowledge and teaching skills to identify areas for development. We will also signpost resources to bolster your expertise in, and knowledge of, effective teaching methods for both theoretical and practical PE lessons.

This pre-course preparation is just the beginning of your journey to becoming a fantastic PE teacher! We are here to support you every step of the way as you transform your passion for physical activity into engaging and impactful learning experiences for your students. 

Task 3 - Your Vision for teaching PE

As part of your development as a PE teacher, it is vital that you understand the PE curriculum and how individual schools use this to set out their vision for the knowledge, skills and values that its pupils will learn, encompassing the national curriculum within a coherent wider vision for successful learning. It is also important that you begin to engage with research to inform your understanding and your own teaching practice.   

Based on your knowledge of the National Curriculum for Physcial Education & the items above, answer the questions below. 

1. What is the purpose of Physical Education?  

2. What is the more important in PE, teaching knowledge or teaching skills?  

3. The PEM article provides an overview of how the six key factors of Coe's "What makes great teaching?" (2014) apply to teaching PE, including specific context, examples and strategies. What would you change (in/out)?  

We will use this as stimulus for discussion in one of the first PE sessions, so please print out your brief responses and bring them with you on Friday 6th September. 

Recommended Reading

National Curriculum Programmes of Study

Join Your Subject Association!

 A highly recommended optional extra!

Sign up here: https://www.afpe.org.uk/