PE Insights Podcast

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast.In Episode 81, I’m joined by Jack Harvey. A passionate and well-read voice in Physical Education who is not afraid to challenge the direction of our subject.This is not a safe conversation.Jack offers a perspective that will resonate with many. It may also frustrate others. That is exactly why it matters.We explore a fundamental question:What is Physical Education actually becoming?Across the profession, practice is increasingly shaped by performance, visibility, and curated moments. But what sits beneath that?In this episode, we unpack:• The growing gap between what we say PE is and what we actually deliver• The influence of social media and performative practice• Whether engagement is being prioritised at the expense of learning• The identity crisis within Physical Education• What we risk losing if we continue down the current pathJack speaks with clarity and conviction. His views are grounded in reading, reflection, and experience. You may agree. You may strongly disagree.Either way, this episode will make you think.As always, we would love to hear your perspective. Join the conversation and share your thoughts.Sit back, keep an open mind, and let’s get into it.Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast!After taking a short break due to moving house, my new role and a recent Ofsted visit. We are back with episode 81, and episode 3 of our Exam PE deep dives.In today's episode, I am joined again by Will Swaithes, and our guest Kieran Palmer. Kieran brings experience of teaching NCFE's Technical Award (Level 1/2) in Health and Fitness, and in this conversation we unpack the specification, pupils' misconceptions, assessment and top tips for teaching the course.As always, we would love to hear your thoughts, so please share on social media should you wish. Now, sit back, relax and let's dive in!Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of examination Physical Education through an honest and practical conversation with James and Wayne — two experienced educators working across different OCR pathways.While the discussion begins with the OCR GCSE PE specification, James quickly clarifies his context, teaching the OCR Cambridge National (Level 1/Level 2) Sports Studies course. What follows is a rich comparison between GCSE PE and CNAT Sports Studies, grounded in lived classroom experience rather than exam-board rhetoric.Wayne reflects on nearly two decades in education, from Colchester Royal Grammar School to his current role in an independent setting, leading GCSE PE and co-curricular provision from Year 7 to Year 13. He breaks down why OCR GCSE PE works logistically, how students respond to the exam structure, and the realities of cluster moderation, practical assessment, and NEA delivery — warts and all.James shares his journey from higher education into secondary teaching in challenging contexts, offering a clear-eyed view of the CNAT Sports Studies course. He explores its flexible structure, practical units such as Sport and Leadership and Outdoor Adventurous Activities, and why early organisation and strong teacher paperwork can make or break student outcomes.Across the episode, we unpack:The differences between OCR GCSE PE and OCR CNAT Sports StudiesPractical assessment, moderation, and grading challengesNEA delivery, time constraints, and common pitfallsWhat students enjoy most — and find hardest — across both pathwaysHow assessment models impact different learner profilesWe close by looking forward. Both guests share thoughtful hopes for the future of examination PE: qualifications that better reflect real-world physical activity, value diverse learner strengths, and allow schools to adapt provision without being penalised.A must-listen for PE teachers, Heads of Department, mentors, and anyone navigating curriculum choices in secondary PE.Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Examination PE doesn’t have to feel like a minefield.In this episode of the PE Insights Podcast, we’re joined by Jackie Brookes, founder of PE Active, alongside Will Swaithes, to unpick the complexities of the AQA GCSE PE specification and explore how teachers can deliver academic PE with confidence, clarity, and impact.Drawing on her extensive work with trainee teachers and early career teachers (ECTs), Jackie shares why so many teachers feel underprepared for examination PE — and, crucially, what can be done about it. Together, Jackie and Will offer practical, experience-led insights into mastering command words, assessment objectives, and exam technique, while keeping learning active and meaningful for pupils.Why trainee teachers often receive limited support with exam specificationsCommon gaps in content knowledge and assessment literacyJackie’s journey into academic PE and the origins of PE ActiveTeaching theory through movement for kinaesthetic learnersWhy AQA’s prescriptive nature can actually be a strengthUnderstanding the three Assessment Objectives (AOs):AO1 – KnowledgeAO2 – ApplicationAO3 – Higher-order thinkingThe “magic four” AO3 skills: analyse, evaluate, justify, discussHow AQA explicitly signals where AO3 is assessedWhy command words are central to exam successJackie’s B.U.C. method for breaking down exam questions:Box the command wordUnderline the topicCircle the sport or contextA clear breakdown of Paper 1 and Paper 2, question types, timings, and mark allocationsWhere AO3 is most heavily assessed in extended responsesHow the 30% practical performance is assessed across three activitiesWhat examiners look for in skills and applicationMaking sense of the 10% Analysis & Evaluation courseworkWhy precision matters — and what not to includeHow NEA supports AO3 development beyond the exam hallMaking the most of AQA’s official resourcesTeaching theory actively, not passivelyPlanning with AO3 at the forefrontUsing examiner reports to inform teachingWhy Jackie believes teachers should sit the exam themselvesBroadening sporting examples with equality, diversity, and inclusion in mindShould GCSE PE be renamed?The case for modernising contentRemoving outdated concepts (like body types)Why menstrual cycles and hormonal impacts on performance belong in the curriculumProtecting the physical and applied heart of PEDelivering AQA GCSE PE successfully isn’t about cramming content — it’s about understanding how knowledge is assessed, embedding AO3 thinking from the outset, and bringing theory to life through active, purposeful learning. When teachers are assessment-literate and confident with the specification, students are far better positioned to succeed.🔍 What’s covered in this episode?The challenge of examination PEDeciphering the AQA GCSE PE specificationCommand words & exam techniqueNEA: The practical componentTop tips for teachers delivering AQA GCSE PELooking ahead: the future of GCSE PE🎯 Key takeawayDelivering AQA GCSE PE successfully isn’t about cramming content — it’s about understanding how knowledge is assessed, embedding AO3 thinking from the outset, and bringing theory to life through active, purposeful learning. When teachers are assessment-literate and confident with the specification, students are far better positioned to succeed.Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

What does it really mean for Physical Education to be fit for purpose?In this episode of the PE Insights Podcast, I’m joined by Amy, Head of Physical Education in a large secondary school, who shares how she has led a bold shift away from a traditional, sport-centric curriculum towards one rooted in meaningful experiences, inclusion, and lifelong physical activity.With over 16 years of experience and a background in leading a whole-school skills and competency-based programme, Amy unpacks how her philosophy around confidence, well-being, and student voice has shaped a radically different approach to PE. We explore how her department has redesigned curriculum intent, introduced innovative leadership pathways, supported learners who sit on the margins of participation, and embedded mental health and physical activity through initiatives such as the Rise Up programme.Amy also discusses the challenges and opportunities of overhauling assessment in PE, moving away from linear grading towards a more holistic model that values knowledge, skill, effort, and leadership. Central to this work is the shift from “assessment weeks” to meaningful feedback conversations that help students understand success in PE in more than just physical terms.This episode is a must-listen for PE teachers, leaders, and anyone interested in curriculum design, inclusion, and rethinking how we measure success in Physical Education.Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

In this episode of the PE Insights Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Emma Whewell, Associate Professor at the University of Northampton, for a rich and reflective conversation about identity, mentorship, and the evolving purpose of physical education.Drawing on over twenty years in Initial Teacher Education, Emma explores how PE teachers’ identities are largely shaped long before training begins, through acculturation and what Lortie famously described as the “apprenticeship of observation”. We discuss why this makes identity so resistant to change, and the pivotal role mentors play in either nurturing confidence and autonomy, or unintentionally doing harm.The conversation delves into the tensions mentors face between supporting innovation and complying with school systems, the importance of relational mentoring, and why trainees should be viewed as agents of change rather than problems to be managed. Emma also challenges the mismatch between what PE claims to do — preparing young people for lifelong physical activity — and what it often delivers in practice.Looking ahead, Emma shares how she is embracing digital and AI-supported pedagogies within ITE, using technology to enhance reflection, efficiency, creativity and confidence. From AI-supported interview preparation to lesson planning and content creation, this episode explores a future-focused, possibility-led approach to teacher education.Throughout the episode, I also share reflections linked to my own MA research on mentoring, professional identity and occupational socialisation, making this a particularly meaningful conversation for mentors, trainee teachers, teacher educators and PE leaders.Emma’s central message is clear: be curious. Watch widely, borrow thoughtfully, build relationships first, and give yourself permission to become the teacher you want to be.Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

In Episode 76 of The PE Insights Podcast, I’m joined by David Wallace, speaking to us from Bangkok, Thailand, where he currently teaches Junior Physical Education.David’s journey into primary PE was anything but linear. Trained in the UK as a secondary PE teacher at the University of Cumbria, he taught briefly in Burnley before taking a leap into international education. That move, initially described as a shock, became career-defining. With the support of a mentor who “took me under his wing,” David discovered a deep passion for primary PE, later leading Junior School PE in Hong Kong before returning to Bangkok.This conversation explores what it really means to put movement, inclusion and human experience at the heart of Physical Education.We discuss how PE has evolved to foreground social, emotional and cognitive learning alongside physical development, while still protecting movement as the core of the subject. David shares his honest reflections on lesson balance, feedback habits, and how the messages we send as teachers shape what children believe truly matters.A powerful moment in the episode centres on grouping and inclusivity. David reflects on witnessing a child left alone during partner selection and how that moment fundamentally changed his practice. From simple conversation-based grouping strategies to using digital tools like Team Shake, he explains why taking an extra minute to group intentionally is always worth it.The episode also offers valuable insight into international teaching. David explains why UK QTS acts as a global passport, how international schools have raised standards, and the professional freedom that comes with adapting curriculum to diverse contexts. He shares practical advice on accreditation, career progression and life overseas.We then dive into David’s Master’s research on online PE teacher communities, charting the shift away from Twitter/X towards Instagram and LinkedIn, and why maintaining external professional networks matters more than ever to avoid working in an echo chamber.Finally, we tackle one of the most sensitive topics in PE: the relationship between PE and Games. David unpacks competition, ability grouping, student choice, and how carefully separating these spaces can allow both to serve young people well.This is a thoughtful, honest and practice-rich conversation about belonging, balance and building meaningful experiences through Physical Education.Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

In this episode, Senior Lecturer David Redfern (Birmingham City University) joins us to explore what truly shapes positive experiences in Physical Education. From a childhood immersed in PE culture to leading subject mentoring for hundreds of trainee teachers, David shares a career defined by passion, purpose, and connection.We unpack the “trauma trend” in PE, why early experiences matter, and how teachers can consciously break cycles of fear, judgement, and fixed mindset. David dives into social constructivism, experiential learning, growth mindset, and the role of teachers as “actors” who model positivity and possibility for every learner.Listeners will hear practical, classroom-ready strategies including:• Breaking skills into manageable, achievable steps• Modelling and peer-modelling approaches• Visual scaffolding that supports EAL learners• How to develop genuine physical literacy beyond FMS• Ways to nurture confidence, curiosity, and movement beyond the gymDavid also shares innovative ideas – like sending home PE activity bags to shift parental perceptions and deepen movement habits outside school.We finish with quickfire insights: what PE must stop doing, what it must protect, and why David believes teachers should think less like coaches and more like facilitators of learning.If you care about meaningful PE, physical literacy, mentoring, or transforming learners’ experiences, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Welcome to the PE Insights Podcast!Epsiode 73 is a conversation with Bilal Saddik. Bill is super passionate and a real advocate for holistic development. In the episode, we explore Bill's thinking, holistic development, play, coaching vs. teaching, expectations in new teachers and experienced teachers with relation to adaptive teaching, gender, and no 'one size fits all'. The episode covers lots of ground... as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

In this episode of the PE Insights Podcast, Nathan speaks with Dr Josie Perry, chartered sport psychologist, author of six books and director of Performance in Mind. Josie’s work shines a light on identity, inclusivity and the realities of supporting neurodiverse children in movement and sport.Josie shares why so many adults lose a sense of themselves as active people, often rooted in school experiences where PE centred narrowly on team games. She argues that broader, more varied activities can protect a young person’s identity as someone who can move, play and be physically active.The conversation then explores the themes behind her book ADHD in Sport. Josie explains how ADHD traits show up in performance anxiety, emotional dysregulation and perfectionism, and highlights the growing need for understanding neurodiversity, something missing from her own training a decade ago. She unpacks why physical activity can be transformative for children with ADHD, while also acknowledging the limited research on overcoming sport-specific barriers.Listeners will hear practical and highly relatable strategies for PE teachers. Josie explains how motivation differs across neurotypes, why autistic learners seek safety and predictability, why neurotypical children may respond to importance and consequence, and why ADHD learners crave novelty and challenge. She offers simple adaptations that help everyone: sending pre-session information, offering demonstrations, using peer buddies, varying levels of challenge and involving learners in setting up equipment.The discussion also covers emotional regulation ideas, such as budgeting daily “energy coins”, and powerful approaches to self-talk. Josie explains why outcome-focused goals can undermine confidence, and why shifting learners towards inputs like effort, technique and small progressions supports lifelong participation. Her reflections on identity and belonging include a clear message: never let children pick teams. Instead, she returns to the true meaning of competition, rooted in the Latin idea of being “better together”.To close, Josie poses a question for every teacher: What are the children in my class motivated by?This episode is full of practical insight, compassion and clarity for anyone teaching neurodiverse young people, and is essential listening for PE teachers who want to create environments where every learner can thrive.We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

In this episode of PE Insights, Nathan Walker is joined by Carla Howard, Head of PE and founder of the Heads of PE Network. Together, they explore how inclusive, holistic, and collaborative approaches are reshaping the PE curriculum.Carla shares how her department is reframing PE as “for all”—focusing on physical, cognitive, social, and affective development rather than elite performance. She discusses how student voice drives curriculum design, the power of small-sided games for engagement, and why assessment should reflect non-linear progress.The conversation also delves into Carla’s creation of a national Heads of PE Network that supports middle leaders and aspiring heads, and her reflections on the Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report—from redefining PE’s purpose to renaming GCSE PE for the respect it deserves.We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast. Thank you for your continued support.Episode 71 is a conversation with James Tuthill of Charles Darwin Primary School in Norfolk.We talk about how he is shifting the focus towards wellbeing in PE through using RISE Up in collaboration with Future Action and Neil Moggan.This one comes from recordings from the back end of the last academic year. Lots for Primary PE teachers to think about in this one.Hope you enjoy it!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast!Season 3 is now LIVE!Join me, as I have a conversation with the fantastic Professor Liz Durden-Myers. Lots of updates in this one, an insight into Liz's continued work on Physical Literacy, and the brilliant suitcase and train station analogy.Hope you enjoy it!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Hello everyone and welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast - Season 3!Listen out of the call to action, and get ready for another year of amazing insights from inspiration people in the PE space.

So here it is, the final episode of the PE Insights Podcast for this academic year.A conversation with Mike Lowery, Director of Sport at a large British international school in Dubai.We discuss high performance, Mike's vision for PE and school sport, what makes effective teams, and of course, the quick fire questions.Hope you enjoy the episode! More episodes will return in September 2025. Enjoy some time to rest and recover, but by all means plug in a podcast when you're by the pool, out on a walk, in the gym or the car. I'm always keen to hear your thoughts!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast.Today's episode welcomes the return of Will Grove to the podcast. We had a conversation previously about their thoughts on PE curriculum, and in this chat, I catch up with Will to see how these developments are taking shape. Lots of ground covered in this episode, and hopefully, it will be thought-provoking for anyone who is engaged in designing, amending, leading PE curriculum in other settings.As always, I would love to hear your thoughts on this.We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast!Episode 67 is a conversation with the excellent, Lee Sullivan.Many of our listeners in the PE space will know of the work Lee has contributed, but if you don't here is a great opportunity to find out more.We reflect on Lee's first book 'Is PE in Crisis?', we discuss his current thoughts on Concept Curriculum in PE. Then we are introduced to his two latest publications: 'The Movement Monster', and 'From PE Dread to Delight'.You can find these publications here: https://www.pescholar.com/product-category/books/Hope you enjoy the episode, and as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast!Today, I am joined by the wonderful Dr Aspasia Dania - Associate Professor of Physical Education and Teacher Education at the the University of Athens, Greece.In our conversation today, we talk about games, playfulness, social responsibility, meaningfulness and pre-service teachers. Lots covered and I was inspired by Aspasia as she shares her thoughts, philosophy and experiences.Hope you enjoy the episode!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Hello everyone… welcome back to the PE insights podcast. Conversations about physical education with me your host NW bought to you by the fantastic team at PE Scholar. I hope you’re well. As I release this episode on the week which held the UK’s National Thank a Teacher’ day, I’d like to give a shoutout to every teacher, for their endless hard work and selflessness in striving to improve the lives of every young child. Sincerely, thank you.  Let’s talk about today’s episode - in this conversation I catch up with the brilliant Ben Shields, we discuss all things PE; international perspectives, curriculum design and our shared 4 C’s. In the episode we make reference to the PYP curriculum and if you’re sat there wondering what this is, I’ve put a link in the show notes for you to take a look at. https://www.ibo.org/programmes/primary-years-programme/We discuss how HPE has the potential to reduce movement time in PE, what would your thoughts be on this? I’d love to hear them, so feel free to leave a comment on social media. That said, and as always, grab a drink, a notepad, sit back, relax, or keep moving… let’s dive in!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast.Episode 64 is a conversation with Daniel Miller, head of PE in Doha, Qatar. We chat about his journey to date and his changing philosophy. We unpack how he has applied a conceptual approach to curriculum design in his previous and current schools.As always, sit back, relax and enjoy! If you feel like it, why not drop the podcast a review, every little helps!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast.Today, I am joined by PE Teacher, Nathan Joyce. In our conversation we discuss his PE philosophy and his journey so far. Particularly the tensions he has felt around assessment in PE, fitness testing and outcomes. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts.We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast.This week's episode is the second in our book review series. I am joined by Dr Vicky Randall as we unpack the book 'Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher' by author, Gary Zaharatos.I hope you enjoy our conversation. Sit back, relax and as always, I would love to hear your thoughts.We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast.In episode 61, I have a conversation with Matt Hyde from Elephant Counselling. As a previous PE teacher, Matt shares his insights on PE whilst discussing wellbeing for staff and students alike. Highlighting some of the methods he uses and the great work he has done with schools and educators. Hope you enjoy it!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

In this episode of PE Insights, I'm joined by Tom Manley – an experienced PE teacher and passionate advocate for holistic physical education. We explore why team games remain a favourite among students and educators alike, the evolving landscape of PE teaching, and the importance of adaptability in meeting the diverse needs of learners. Tom shares reflections on his own practice, discusses how to strike a balance between tradition and innovation in curriculum design, and offers thoughtful insights into what makes PE meaningful and memorable. Whether you're a trainee, a seasoned teacher, or simply passionate about physical education, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration.We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠Sports Directory⁠, with their '⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with Sports Directory which includes sponsorship of our PE Insights Podcast. This will enable us to continue to deliver and improve this ‘free to access’ fortnightly conversation with physical educators to help PE thrive for all children.For those that don’t already know, Sports Directory is the leading supplier of PE and sports equipment to schools. Specialists in education, they understand the unique needs of PE departments and offer a comprehensive range of products specifically tailored for schools. Every order is backed by honest, efficient, and friendly customer service, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience. Plus, with their 'My School Rewards' Scheme, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget.“We are grateful to Sports Directory for sponsoring the PE Insights podcast. With their support we will continue to grow the platform, gathering and sharing insights from the PE profession, helping to drive meaningful change” - Dr Liz Durden-Myers (Managing Director, PE Scholar)“We’re proud to support a platform that amplifies the voices of PE teachers, researchers, and sports professionals - people who are committed to sharing their knowledge, championing PE, and sparking meaningful conversations across the sector” - Adam Tibbals (Head of Sales at Sports Directory)As we launch this partnership today, please take a listen of this bonus episode where Nathan and Will touch base with Jen Moir and Adam Tibbals to hear more about the people behind Sports Directory and why you shouldn’t miss out on their 'My School Rewards' Scheme.

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast! Episode 58 is a conversation with ex-GB athlete and founder of Performance Pathways, Martin Brockman. In this episode we discuss PE, sports coaching, performance, stress and the importance of 'journies'. Hope you enjoy our conversation, and as per usual, we would love to hear your thoughts.

Welcome back everyone, apologies for my poor voice in the intro! Here is another cracking conversation for you to enjoy.Russell McCluskey, PE Teacher - Sport Coach - Director of Sport - Consultant - Good guy. We talk about everything PE and dive into PE and Sport in state and independent schools, discuss leadership, opportunities and the usual quick fire questions.Hope you enjoy!

Hello everyone, welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast.Episode 56 is a conversation with the incredible Jan Dossett.We talk about everything PE, play, and teaching.The importance of play is a key theme throughout as Jan talks about her experiences and key messages; including the use of STEP principles and super powers.I hope you enjoy the conversation, and as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Welcome back, episode 55 is a conversation with a the brilliant, and a good friend, Mo Jafar.We talk about; Blacks can’t swim. Challenging stereotypes. Action research. Adaptive teaching… could go on!As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Welcome back!Join me as I have a brilliant conversation with afPE CEO, Kate Thornton-Bousfield. We talk about her journey so far, her move into this new role, and the exciting opportunities ahead for afPE and physical education.Hope you enjoy it!

Join me as I discuss the groundbreaking guidance developed by Dr Irfan Khawaja which will help create a more inclusive school environment for Muslim students and staff engaging in physical education (PE) during Ramadan.Thought to be the first of its kind in the United Kingdom to support curriculum and extra-curricular PE, the guidance gives schools practical advice for supporting fasting Muslim students and staff during Islam’s Holy Month so they can continue to participate in physical activity.You can view the guidance here:https://bcuassets.blob.core.windows.net/docs/csu2024013-ramadan-report-v12-interactive-5-3-24-133541215424368611.pdf

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast, in today's episode I have a chat with the brilliant Daniel Lycett (St David's College Llandudno).We have a conversation about PE, purpose, driving and inspiring change, course design, self-determination theory, the importance of practice design, ecological dynamics... just to mention a few things!Hope you enjoy our chat! Don't forget to comment, like, follow and subscribe.

Welcome back... Episode 51 is a conversation with Will Swaithes (PE Scholar) and Catherine Fitzpatrick (Complete PE). In this episode we discuss the key ingredients for designing and implementing a PE curriculum which will inspire learners, and compliment their relationships with movement. We also talk about the recent developments with Oak National Academy - were some of the new content is now live. Follow this link to find out more:https://www.pescholar.com/insight/oak-curriculum-partners/

Welcome to episode 50 of the PE Insights Podcast and Happy Valentine's Day.Today's episode is a conversation with Dr Julie Pearson. Julie shares her experiences and insights, and gets us to reflect on CARE as an crucial consideration for all PE teachers and poses the question, is it possible to care too much about our subject?

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast! Today I am joined by Vinny Halsall from The FA's PE Team. I was fortunate to ask Vinny to come and work with my PGCE PE cohort recently, and after his wonderful PE CPD day, we found some time to have a conversation. Hope you enjoy it!

Welcome to the PE Insights Podcast! Today's episode is a conversation with two fantastic PE ECTs. In the chat, both Carrie and Ella share their PE philosophies, their ECT experiences to date, and some sage advice for PE trainees and mentors. Hope you enjoy it!

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast! Happy New Year. Here's to a successful, happy and healthy 2025 for everyone.Today's episode is brilliant. I was pleased to be invited into Teign School to sit down with Head of Department, Keira Wylie and 4 PE Ambassadors to talk about pupil voice, active change and co-construction of PE curriculum, friendship grouping and inspiring through leadership. This is a great episode - I hope you enjoy it!

The final episode of 2024. What a year! Thank you for your support.This is a chat with Katie Fitton-Davies (Senior Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University). Today, we talk about motivation and PE. Katie is an expert and she shares her insights and provides some thoughts for all teachers.Hope you enjoy it!

Hello everyone and welcome to the first episode of our book review series; Making Every PE Lesson Count by James Crane - Crown House Publishing.As always we would love to hear your thoughts, so please share and post on your social media platforms.Also use code: INSIGHTS30 for a discount, if you would like to purchase your own copy of the book directly through Crown House Publishing here: https://www.crownhouse.co.uk/making-every-pe-lesson-countIt might also be worth reading this previous blog article on ‘moderate competence’ which links to the point I made about being ‘competent enough’. Link here: https://www.pescholar.com/insight/is-moderate-competency-enough/

Welcome back, join me as I have a wonderful conversation with Simon Scarborough and Dan Hine. Two inspiring people who have great stories share and an inspirational message about making PE inclusive for ALL. Hope you enjoy it!

Before we dive in, I’d like to issue a brief content warning. In today’s episode, we discuss sensitive topics, including bereavement, loss, and mental health. These are important but challenging conversations, so please take care as you listen.Our guest today is the incredible Rhian Mannings, MBE. A Pride of Britain Winner and former PE teacher and leader, Rhian is now the CEO and founder of the charity 2wish, which provides vital support for families experiencing sudden bereavement. Her story is both powerful and inspiring.We also explore the incredible power of movement and physical activity in transforming lives for the better, reminding us all why we do what we do in the world of PE and sport.

Welcome back, here is another midweek bonus episode. I delve into the catalogue and bring you a conversation with Sam Horton - PE and Swim Lead at a primary school in England. We discuss PE, swimming, planning, leadership and expectations. Sam has also started his own podcast recently, so if you like what he has to say, you might want to have a listen. Enjoy!

Today, I am joined by Louise Hacking - lecture of PE at Leeds Beckett University, Associate for PE Scholar, previous HOD and PE teacher passionate about empowering teachers and removing barriers. In this powerful conversation we discuss periods and sports bras as barriers for young girls and what we might do to address this, including practical solutions and male allyship. Hope you enjoy the episode. Please share :)

Welcome back - here's a bonus, midweek episode. A few months back I had the pleasure of having a chat with Olivia Flemons about her PE experiences and her current PhD on Physical Literacy. Hope you enjoy it!

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast. Today, we are joined by Nicola Cosgrove, a PE teacher and leader who is currently working in Switzerland. In our conversation today, we explore student voice, ownership and responsibility. Nicola speaks passionately about nurturing independent young learners, and some case studies from her current school. Hope you enjoy it!

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast - bought to you by PE Scholar. Today's episode is a conversation with Dr Will Patz, head of Early Years and Lower School (DUCKS) PE. He has recently finished his PhD on the affective domain in PE, and in this episode we explore his studies in further detail and consider the impact on PE practice and curriculum design.

Happy Birthday to the PE Insights Podcast, 1 year old today!Welcome back, today's guest is this inspirational Aaminah Hussain - Head of Physical Education in Sheffield. This conversation is powerful and will ask you to reflect on your own practice, and challenge you to consider your unconscious bias and any stereotypes in your PE practice. Hope you enjoy it!

Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast. A huge thank you shout out at the beginning of this episode! Your support means everything. Join me, as I have a conversation with Grant Huddleston - Senior Lecturer, Physical Educator and Professional Development Lead at Birmingham City University. Hope you enjoy the episode!

Welcome to episode 35 of the PE Insights Podcast. Today, I am joined by Tom Darby - Business Development Officer at the Leadership Skills Foundation. Listen to Tom share his experiences and reflect on the importance and value of leadership. Hope you enjoy the episode!

Welcome back, I hope you’re having a fantastic summer. Episode 34 is a conversation with that wonderful, Professor Aaron Beighle. In this conversation, Aaron shares his years of experience and reflections on PE teacher education and PE as a subject. Hope you enjoy it!