The real PE podcast

Episode 3 — Empowered Women, Empowered Girls: Designing PE That Works for Every Girl The third and final episode of the series turns its focus entirely to schools and physical education — and begins with a moment of real, uncomfortable honesty. The same reports have been published for years. Girls are dropping out at the same rates. The statistics barely shift. Something has to change — not in what we know, but in what we are willing to do. Dr Emma Ross and Baz Moffat explore what girls-first design in PE actually looks like, from the earliest years through to the persistent dropout of the secondary school years. The roots of that dropout, they argue, are laid long before a girl reaches secondary school — in the shoes she is expected to wear, in who dominates the playground, in the subtle daily message that rough-and-tumble play is for boys and stillness is for girls. John Parsons shares striking physical literacy data confirming that on every single measure — meaning, value, enjoyment, movement, connection, positive experiences — girls score consistently lower than boys, with the gap widening as they get older. The episode's most powerful and resonant argument, however, is about teachers. Baz Moffat makes a compelling case that you cannot be an authentic advocate for girls' health if your own health has never been supported. A teacher who has spent a career being told to endure period pain in silence cannot authentically tell a girl her period is a vital sign of her wellbeing. A teacher with a complicated, unsupported relationship with food cannot credibly model healthy fuelling for the girls in her care. Empowered women empower girls — and right now, too many of the women at the heart of PE and school sport are not being empowered themselves. Ronnie Heath shares real PE's emerging vision to invest directly in the health and wellbeing of the women teachers at the core of the real PE community — and The Well HQ's response is immediate: we are all in. It is the perfect note on which to end a series that has moved, throughout, from the scale of the problem to the urgency of the solution — and landed, finally, on the quiet conviction that change is not only possible, but already underway. About The Well HQ Founded in 2021 by Baz Moffat, Dr Bella Smith, and Dr Emma Ross, The Well HQ is a women’s health and wellness consultancy rooted in scientific evidence, real-life experience, and decades of expertise. The Well HQ turns science into practical action through bespoke educational resources, training programmes and strategic plans that help organisations create lasting, impactful change. Learn more at thewell-hq.com.  Baz Moffat - Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Baz Moffat is the CEO and co-founder of The Well HQ, a consultancy dedicated to changing the system around women and girls in sport, fitness and wellness. Drawing from her experience as a former Team GB rower and coach, she saw firsthand how a lack of female-specific training and support limits women’s potential. With over 20 years of experience in health, fitness, and high-performance environments, Baz is a prominent voice in the women’s health movement and advocates for closing the gender gap and creating meaningful change for women in sport and beyond. Dr Emma Ross - Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr Emma Ross is the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of The Well HQ, a consultancy dedicated to changing the system around women and girls in sport, fitness and wellness. With a career as a scientist, researcher, and practitioner, Emma was involved in the development of several breakthrough initiatives around women’s physiology and psychology in sports. She was the Head of Physiology of the English Institute of Sport for ten years, and led the sports scientists supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Rio 2016.    

real PE podcast: The Well HQ series  Episode 3 — Empowered Women, Empowered Girls: Designing PE That Works for Every Girl The third and final episode of the series turns its focus entirely to schools and physical education — and begins with a moment of real, uncomfortable honesty. The same reports have been published for years. Girls are dropping out at the same rates. The statistics barely shift. Something has to change — not in what we know, but in what we are willing to do. Dr Emma Ross and Baz Moffat explore what girls-first design in PE actually looks like, from the earliest years through to the persistent dropout of the secondary school years. The roots of that dropout, they argue, are laid long before a girl reaches secondary school — in the shoes she is expected to wear, in who dominates the playground, in the subtle daily message that rough-and-tumble play is for boys and stillness is for girls. John Parsons shares striking physical literacy data confirming that on every single measure — meaning, value, enjoyment, movement, connection, positive experiences — girls score consistently lower than boys, with the gap widening as they get older. The episode's most powerful and resonant argument, however, is about teachers. Baz Moffat makes a compelling case that you cannot be an authentic advocate for girls' health if your own health has never been supported. A teacher who has spent a career being told to endure period pain in silence cannot authentically tell a girl her period is a vital sign of her wellbeing. A teacher with a complicated, unsupported relationship with food cannot credibly model healthy fuelling for the girls in her care. Empowered women empower girls — and right now, too many of the women at the heart of PE and school sport are not being empowered themselves. Ronnie Heath shares real PE's emerging vision to invest directly in the health and wellbeing of the women teachers at the core of the real PE community — and The Well HQ's response is immediate: we are all in. It is the perfect note on which to end a series that has moved, throughout, from the scale of the problem to the urgency of the solution — and landed, finally, on the quiet conviction that change is not only possible, but already underway.   About The Well HQ Founded in 2021 by Baz Moffat, Dr Bella Smith, and Dr Emma Ross, The Well HQ is a women’s health and wellness consultancy rooted in scientific evidence, real-life experience, and decades of expertise. The Well HQ turns science into practical action through bespoke educational resources, training programmes and strategic plans that help organisations create lasting, impactful change. Learn more at thewell-hq.com.  Baz Moffat - Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Baz Moffat is the CEO and co-founder of The Well HQ, a consultancy dedicated to changing the system around women and girls in sport, fitness and wellness. Drawing from her experience as a former Team GB rower and coach, she saw firsthand how a lack of female-specific training and support limits women’s potential. With over 20 years of experience in health, fitness, and high-performance environments, Baz is a prominent voice in the women’s health movement and advocates for closing the gender gap and creating meaningful change for women in sport and beyond. Dr Emma Ross - Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr Emma Ross is the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of The Well HQ, a consultancy dedicated to changing the system around women and girls in sport, fitness and wellness. With a career as a scientist, researcher, and practitioner, Emma was involved in the development of several breakthrough initiatives around women’s physiology and psychology in sports. She was the Head of Physiology of the English Institute of Sport for ten years, and led the sports scientists supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Rio 2016.

Episode 2 — Radical Common Sense: From Problem to Practice If episode one asks how big the problem is, episode two asks what we actually do about it — and the answer turns out to be both more straightforward and more urgent than most people expect. Dr Emma Ross and Baz Moffat return with a series of vivid, real-world stories that demonstrate what change looks like in practice. A single dad coaching an under-12s girls' football team who learned, through one CPD course from The Well HQ, how to have a confident conversation with his squad about sports bras. A hockey club that changed a training night and stopped all its sixth-form players getting injured. A 14-year-old whose performance and confidence were transformed by simply wearing a sports bra that fitted properly for the first time. The episode introduces two ideas that are already reshaping practice in elite sport and could do the same in schools and grassroots clubs everywhere. The first is The Well HQ's development wheel — a structured, stepped framework that meets organisations wherever they are and gives them a clear, achievable path towards best-in-class practice. The second is the Female Health Leader concept, modelled on the mental health first aider approach: not an expert or a clinician, but a visible, trusted person within a school or club who creates the conditions for these conversations to happen and drives change from within. The episode also covers the Women's Super League's four-year journey to becoming the world's leading football league for female athlete health, the Wimbledon white kit debate, England Hockey's landmark shorts-or-skirts decision, and why putting a sports bra on the PE kit list is one of the simplest and most impactful changes any school can make today. As Ronnie Heath puts it perfectly by the close: the solutions sound radical for about five seconds. After that, they are just common sense.   About The Well HQ Founded in 2021 by Baz Moffat, Dr Bella Smith, and Dr Emma Ross, The Well HQ is a women’s health and wellness consultancy rooted in scientific evidence, real-life experience, and decades of expertise. The Well HQ turns science into practical action through bespoke educational resources, training programmes and strategic plans that help organisations create lasting, impactful change. Learn more at thewell-hq.com.  Baz Moffat - Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Baz Moffat is the CEO and co-founder of The Well HQ, a consultancy dedicated to changing the system around women and girls in sport, fitness and wellness. Drawing from her experience as a former Team GB rower and coach, she saw firsthand how a lack of female-specific training and support limits women’s potential. With over 20 years of experience in health, fitness, and high-performance environments, Baz is a prominent voice in the women’s health movement and advocates for closing the gender gap and creating meaningful change for women in sport and beyond. Dr Emma Ross - Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr Emma Ross is the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of The Well HQ, a consultancy dedicated to changing the system around women and girls in sport, fitness and wellness. With a career as a scientist, researcher, and practitioner, Emma was involved in the development of several breakthrough initiatives around women’s physiology and psychology in sports. She was the Head of Physiology of the English Institute of Sport for ten years, and led the sports scientists supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Rio 2016.

Episode 2 — Radical Common Sense: From Problem to Practice If episode one asks how big the problem is, episode two asks what we actually do about it — and the answer turns out to be both more straightforward and more urgent than most people expect. Dr Emma Ross and Baz Moffat return with a series of vivid, real-world stories that demonstrate what change looks like in practice. A single dad coaching an under-12s girls' football team who learned, through one CPD course from The Well HQ, how to have a confident conversation with his squad about sports bras. A hockey club that changed a training night and stopped all its sixth-form players getting injured. A 14-year-old whose performance and confidence were transformed by simply wearing a sports bra that fitted properly for the first time. The episode introduces two ideas that are already reshaping practice in elite sport and could do the same in schools and grassroots clubs everywhere. The first is The Well HQ's development wheel — a structured, stepped framework that meets organisations wherever they are and gives them a clear, achievable path towards best-in-class practice. The second is the Female Health Leader concept, modelled on the mental health first aider approach: not an expert or a clinician, but a visible, trusted person within a school or club who creates the conditions for these conversations to happen and drives change from within. The episode also covers the Women's Super League's four-year journey to becoming the world's leading football league for female athlete health, the Wimbledon white kit debate, England Hockey's landmark shorts-or-skirts decision, and why putting a sports bra on the PE kit list is one of the simplest and most impactful changes any school can make today. As Ronnie Heath puts it perfectly by the close: the solutions sound radical for about five seconds. After that, they are just common sense.

The Well HQ series: Episode 1 — The Female Fundamentals: Why PE and Sport is Failing Women and Girls We know girls are dropping out of sport. We have the reports. We have the statistics. What we have been slower to confront is why — and what it tells us about a system that was never designed with girls in mind. In the first episode of the series, Dr Emma Ross and Baz Moffat lay out the scale of the challenge with extraordinary clarity. Sixty-four per cent of girls who identified as sporty in primary school have dropped out of sport entirely by the time they leave secondary school. Only four per cent of women take part in organised sport. Just six per cent of sport and exercise science research has been conducted exclusively on women — meaning most of what coaches and teachers know about training, nutrition, recovery and injury is based on male bodies and applied wholesale to female ones. Dr Emma Ross introduces what The Well HQ calls the female health fundamentals — breast health, menstrual health, pelvic health, nutrition and the psychological experience of growing up female in sporting environments — and explains why these are not fringe topics but the very foundations on which female participation stands or falls. Baz Moffat brings the story to life from her own years as an elite rower, where the marginal gains era had coaches obsessing over feathers in pillows and protein timing — while not a single sports bra made it into the kit bag. The episode also explores why this knowledge has been so absent from coaching qualifications, PE degrees and teacher training — and the deeply entrenched societal discomfort around female bodies that keeps it that way. By the end, the picture is stark. But both guests make clear from the outset: the problem is well understood. What comes next is far more interesting. About The Well HQ Founded in 2021 by Baz Moffat, Dr Bella Smith, and Dr Emma Ross, The Well HQ is a women’s health and wellness consultancy rooted in scientific evidence, real-life experience, and decades of expertise. The Well HQ turns science into practical action through bespoke educational resources, training programmes and strategic plans that help organisations create lasting, impactful change. Learn more at thewell-hq.com.  Baz Moffat - Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Baz Moffat is the CEO and co-founder of The Well HQ, a consultancy dedicated to changing the system around women and girls in sport, fitness and wellness. Drawing from her experience as a former Team GB rower and coach, she saw firsthand how a lack of female-specific training and support limits women’s potential. With over 20 years of experience in health, fitness, and high-performance environments, Baz is a prominent voice in the women’s health movement and advocates for closing the gender gap and creating meaningful change for women in sport and beyond. Dr Emma Ross - Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr Emma Ross is the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of The Well HQ, a consultancy dedicated to changing the system around women and girls in sport, fitness and wellness. With a career as a scientist, researcher, and practitioner, Emma was involved in the development of several breakthrough initiatives around women’s physiology and psychology in sports. She was the Head of Physiology of the English Institute of Sport for ten years, and led the sports scientists supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Rio 2016.

The Well HQ series: Episode 1 — The Female Fundamentals: Why PE and Sport is Failing Women and Girls We know girls are dropping out of sport. We have the reports. We have the statistics. What we have been slower to confront is why — and what it tells us about a system that was never designed with girls in mind. In the first episode of the series, Dr Emma Ross and Baz Moffat lay out the scale of the challenge with extraordinary clarity. Sixty-four per cent of girls who identified as sporty in primary school have dropped out of sport entirely by the time they leave secondary school. Only four per cent of women take part in organised sport. Just six per cent of sport and exercise science research has been conducted exclusively on women — meaning most of what coaches and teachers know about training, nutrition, recovery and injury is based on male bodies and applied wholesale to female ones. Dr Emma Ross introduces what The Well HQ calls the female health fundamentals — breast health, menstrual health, pelvic health, nutrition and the psychological experience of growing up female in sporting environments — and explains why these are not fringe topics but the very foundations on which female participation stands or falls. Baz Moffat brings the story to life from her own years as an elite rower, where the marginal gains era had coaches obsessing over feathers in pillows and protein timing — while not a single sports bra made it into the kit bag. The episode also explores why this knowledge has been so absent from coaching qualifications, PE degrees and teacher training — and the deeply entrenched societal discomfort around female bodies that keeps it that way. By the end, the picture is stark. But both guests make clear from the outset: the problem is well understood. What comes next is far more interesting. About The Well HQ Founded in 2021 by Baz Moffat, Dr Bella Smith, and Dr Emma Ross, The Well HQ is a women’s health and wellness consultancy rooted in scientific evidence, real-life experience, and decades of expertise. The Well HQ turns science into practical action through bespoke educational resources, training programmes and strategic plans that help organisations create lasting, impactful change. Learn more at thewell-hq.com.  Baz Moffat - Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Baz Moffat is the CEO and co-founder of The Well HQ, a consultancy dedicated to changing the system around women and girls in sport, fitness and wellness. Drawing from her experience as a former Team GB rower and coach, she saw firsthand how a lack of female-specific training and support limits women’s potential. With over 20 years of experience in health, fitness, and high-performance environments, Baz is a prominent voice in the women’s health movement and advocates for closing the gender gap and creating meaningful change for women in sport and beyond. Dr Emma Ross - Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr Emma Ross is the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of The Well HQ, a consultancy dedicated to changing the system around women and girls in sport, fitness and wellness. With a career as a scientist, researcher, and practitioner, Emma was involved in the development of several breakthrough initiatives around women’s physiology and psychology in sports. She was the Head of Physiology of the English Institute of Sport for ten years, and led the sports scientists supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Rio 2016.

In this thought-provoking episode of real Nonsense, Ronnie Heath (CEO of Create Development) and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) tackle a critical issue in physical education: the dangerous acceptance of low ambition targets. The conversation centres on a startling reality - when children start formal schooling, the recommended physical activity drops from three hours to just one hour per day. Why? Not because it's what children need, but because it's deemed "achievable" within current constraints. John and Ronnie explore how accepting these lowered expectations creates a cascade of problems: Post-COVID data showing children are three years behind in fundamental movement skills The shifting of "normal" that accepts declining physical competency How low ambitions affect not just PE, but cognitive functioning, concentration, and overall development The duo shares powerful examples of how expectations shape outcomes, from maths setting errors to basketball coaching breakthroughs, demonstrating that our beliefs about what's possible directly impact children's achievements. Most importantly, they offer solutions: identifying children needing support earlier, embedding movement throughout the school day, and crucially, making physical activity joyful and developmentally appropriate. The message is clear - we must state ambitious goals, celebrate progress towards them, and never accept that "average" is good enough when average means our children are falling behind.

In this thought-provoking episode of real Nonsense, Ronnie Heath (CEO of Create Development) and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) tackle a critical issue in physical education: the dangerous acceptance of low ambition targets. The conversation centres on a startling reality - when children start formal schooling, the recommended physical activity drops from three hours to just one hour per day. Why? Not because it's what children need, but because it's deemed "achievable" within current constraints. John and Ronnie explore how accepting these lowered expectations creates a cascade of problems: Post-COVID data showing children are three years behind in fundamental movement skills The shifting of "normal" that accepts declining physical competency How low ambitions affect not just PE, but cognitive functioning, concentration, and overall development The duo shares powerful examples of how expectations shape outcomes, from maths setting errors to basketball coaching breakthroughs, demonstrating that our beliefs about what's possible directly impact children's achievements. Most importantly, they offer solutions: identifying children needing support earlier, embedding movement throughout the school day, and crucially, making physical activity joyful and developmentally appropriate. The message is clear - we must state ambitious goals, celebrate progress towards them, and never accept that "average" is good enough when average means our children are falling behind.

In this special edition of the real PE podcast, CEO Ronnie Heath interviews John Parsons, Director of Innovation at real PE, about implementing physical literacy in primary school curricula. They explore how the award-winning real PE platform transforms physical education from a performance-focused subject to an inclusive, child-centred approach that develops the whole person. John unpacks the 'cogs' framework, diving deep into personal and social development as foundational elements of physical literacy. From helping young children cope with small failures to building collaborative learning cultures, this episode provides practical insights for teachers and coaches looking to create positive, inclusive environments where every child can thrive. Drawing on over 15 years of curriculum development and examples from elite sport (including insights from the All Blacks), the conversation demonstrates how focusing on personal resilience, social skills, and emotional development creates stronger foundations for lifelong physical activity than traditional PE approaches. Perfect for primary teachers, PE specialists, early years practitioners, and anyone interested in creating more inclusive approaches to physical education and sport. Key topics covered: Understanding physical literacy beyond just physical skills The personal cog: Building resilience, perseverance and learning behaviours The social cog: Developing collaboration, peer support and leadership Creating environments where every child feels valued Practical implementation strategies for busy teachers Why the best teachers and coaches focus on how children feel, not just what they can do

In this special edition of the real PE podcast Ronnie Heath and John Parsons dissect physical literacy: Is it genuinely different from good PE, or are we just rebranding what we should have been doing all along? In this candid special edition, they explore the new consensus statement, the Patchwork project, and why schools still struggle to distinguish PE from sport. With brutal honesty about grassroots practice and thought-provoking questions about terminology, this episode tackles the gap between ambition and reality in children's physical development. Essential listening for anyone working in education, sport, or child development. Join us for an honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversation about: The new consensus statement for physical literacy in England and what it really means Why physical literacy sounds remarkably similar to what real PE has championed for 16 years The critical difference (or is there one?) between physical literacy and physical education Whether we're reinventing the wheel or genuinely moving the sector forward The Patchwork project's work translating theory into practice across communities Why parents still can't tell the difference between PE and sport – and whose fault that is The brutal truth about grassroots sport and the gap between what we say and what we do This episode doesn't shy away from the hard questions. If physical literacy is about how we move, connect, think, and feel – isn't that just describing good education full stop? Is sculpture part of physical literacy? What about drama or playing a musical instrument? Ronnie challenges whether we're simply admitting that PE is finally catching up with child development science, whilst John defends the intent behind the movement and the real problems it's trying to solve. Both agree on one thing: translating good principles into actual practice remains our biggest challenge. Whether you're a PE teacher, school leader, sports coach, or anyone working in children's physical development, this conversation will make you think differently about the language we use and the change we're trying to create.

Join hosts Ronnie Heath (CEO of Create Development) and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE), as they delve into an engaging conversation with Emma Lewry, early years expert and consultant, as she shares transformative insights on extending play-based learning beyond reception. Discover how movement, choice, and continuous provision can revolutionise learning throughout primary school, creating engaged, motivated learners who love coming to school. In this inspiring real PE special edition, we're joined by Emma Leary, an experienced headteacher turned consultant who's pioneering the extension of early years best practice into Key Stage 1 and beyond. Emma shares her journey from the "glitter and Play-Doh" of early years teaching through three headships to her current work supporting schools across the UK in implementing play-based, movement-rich approaches that transform children's engagement with learning. This episode is essential listening for anyone who believes children should love learning and that school should be a place of joy, not just compliance.  

Join hosts Ronnie Heath (CEO of Create Development) and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE), as they delve into an engaging conversation with Emma Lewry, early years expert and consultant, as she shares transformative insights on extending play-based learning beyond reception. Discover how movement, choice, and continuous provision can revolutionise learning throughout primary school, creating engaged, motivated learners who love coming to school. In this inspiring real PE special edition, we're joined by Emma Leary, an experienced headteacher turned consultant who's pioneering the extension of early years best practice into Key Stage 1 and beyond. Emma shares her journey from the "glitter and Play-Doh" of early years teaching through three headships to her current work supporting schools across the UK in implementing play-based, movement-rich approaches that transform children's engagement with learning. This episode is essential listening for anyone who believes children should love learning and that school should be a place of joy, not just compliance.  

Join hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation) for an extraordinary conversation with Sarah Moon, Membership Experience Manager at real PE and former Head Coach of the GB Rhythmic Gymnastics team at the 2012 Olympics. In this fascinating episode, Sarah shares her remarkable journey from coaching elite gymnasts on the world's biggest stage to supporting thousands of primary school teachers across the UK. Discover how the principles that helped Team GB achieve their best-ever Olympic performance translate directly to creating inclusive, personalised learning experiences in school halls nationwide. Sarah reveals the surprising similarities between coaching Olympic athletes and working with a class of 30 primary school children, exploring how a 'personal best' mindset can transform both elite performance and everyday PE lessons. Learn about the development of real Gym, the innovative programme breaking down barriers and stereotypes around gymnastics in schools. This episode challenges preconceptions about elite sport and education, showing how personalisation, belonging, and celebrating individual progress are essential whether you're preparing for the Olympics or helping a child take their first tentative steps on a gymnastics mat. Perfect for educators, coaches, and anyone interested in how high-performance principles can enhance learning for every child.

Podcast Description Join hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation) for an extraordinary conversation with Sarah Moon, former Head Coach of the GB Rhythmic Gymnastics team at the 2012 Olympics. In this fascinating episode, Sarah shares her remarkable journey from coaching elite gymnasts on the world's biggest stage to supporting thousands of primary school teachers across the UK. Discover how the principles that helped Team GB achieve their best-ever Olympic performance translate directly to creating inclusive, personalised learning experiences in school halls nationwide. Sarah reveals the surprising similarities between coaching Olympic athletes and working with a class of 30 primary school children, exploring how a 'personal best' mindset can transform both elite performance and everyday PE lessons. Learn about the development of real Gym, the innovative programme breaking down barriers and stereotypes around gymnastics in schools. This episode challenges preconceptions about elite sport and education, showing how personalisation, belonging, and celebrating individual progress are essential whether you're preparing for the Olympics or helping a child take their first tentative steps on a gymnastics mat. Perfect for educators, coaches, and anyone interested in how high-performance principles can enhance learning for every child.

In this passionate episode of real Nonsense, hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath, and John Parsons discuss whether focusing on holistic development—personal, social, and emotional skills—distracts from core physical outcomes in PE. The trio explore the "cog theory" of learning, demonstrating how different areas of development work together like interconnected cogs. When one cog sticks, the whole system fails. They argue that far from being a distraction, holistic approaches actually accelerate learning and make PE more inclusive for all pupils.

This brilliant episode see's hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) tackle the misconception that deliberate practice of physical skills has to be boring and repetitive. In this engaging episode, the team explores why traditional skills practice can feel monotonous when not delivered well, and share creative, age-appropriate solutions that maintain the essential repetition needed for physical learning whilst making it joyful and engaging. From adventure-based learning in early years to whole-part-whole approaches in Key Stage 2, discover how to transform repetitive practices into meaningful, fun experiences that children actually want to participate in. The discussion covers practical strategies for different age groups, the importance of choice and challenge in learning, and how deliberate practice extends beyond physical skills to include learning behaviours that benefit all aspects of education. Whether you're a primary teacher, PE specialist, or grassroots coach, this episode provides actionable insights for making skills practice both effective and enjoyable.

A brilliant episode as hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) tackle the misconception that deliberate practice of physical skills has to be boring and repetitive. In this engaging episode, the team explores why traditional skills practice can feel monotonous when not delivered well, and share creative, age-appropriate solutions that maintain the essential repetition needed for physical learning whilst making it joyful and engaging. From adventure-based learning in early years to whole-part-whole approaches in Key Stage 2, discover how to transform repetitive practices into meaningful, fun experiences that children actually want to participate in. The discussion covers practical strategies for different age groups, the importance of choice and challenge in learning, and how deliberate practice extends beyond physical skills to include learning behaviours that benefit all aspects of education. Whether you're a primary teacher, PE specialist, or grassroots coach, this episode provides actionable insights for making skills practice both effective and enjoyable.

This engaging episode of real Nonsense, hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath, and John Parsons tackle the nonsense of planning your PE and school sport offer around your most able pupils. Whilst no school would deliberately exclude children, the team explores how unconscious bias and external pressures can lead to curriculum planning that inadvertently prioritises the loudest voices - often those who are already well-supported in sport outside school. Drawing on real examples from their extensive work in schools, the hosts examine why this happens: from parental pressure and traditional competition structures to teachers' anxieties about challenging highly skilled pupils. The episode doesn't just identify the problem - it provides practical solutions. Learn how to appropriately challenge all pupils, including the most able, through contextualisation, leadership opportunities, and a broader understanding of physical literacy. Discover why the best PE offer works for every child, not just those destined for sporting success.

This engaging episode of real nonsense, hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath, and John Parsons tackle the nonsense of planning your PE and school sport offer around your most able pupils. Whilst no school would deliberately exclude children, the team explores how unconscious bias and external pressures can lead to curriculum planning that inadvertently prioritises the loudest voices - often those who are already well-supported in sport outside school. Drawing on real examples from their extensive work in schools, the hosts examine why this happens: from parental pressure and traditional competition structures to teachers' anxieties about challenging highly skilled pupils. The episode doesn't just identify the problem - it provides practical solutions. Learn how to appropriately challenge all pupils, including the most able, through contextualisation, leadership opportunities, and a broader understanding of physical literacy. Discover why the best PE offer works for every child, not just those destined for sporting success.

In this essential episode of real Nonsense, host Toni Smyth (insights and impact manager at real PE), Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE) and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) tackle one of the biggest pieces of nonsense in primary PE, not addressing movement challenges early enough. The team explore why schools readily invest in early intervention for literacy and numeracy but fail to do the same for physical development. With research showing children in the UK are potentially three years behind where they should be in physical development by age 10-12, this conversation couldn't be timelier. The episode reveals the shocking reality that children as young as seven already decide whether they're "sporty" or "not sporty" - and the devastating long-term impact this has on their relationship with physical activity.

In this essential episode of real nonsense, host Toni Smyth (insights and impact manager at real PE), Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE) and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) tackle one of the biggest pieces of nonsense in primary PE, not addressing movement challenges early enough. The team explore why schools readily invest in early intervention for literacy and numeracy but fail to do the same for physical development. With research showing children in the UK are potentially three years behind where they should be in physical development by age 10-12, this conversation couldn't be timelier. The episode reveals the shocking reality that children as young as seven already decide whether they're "sporty" or "not sporty" - and the devastating long-term impact this has on their relationship with physical activity.

Join hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) for this special edition podcast that tackles the hotly debated topic of assessment in PE. In this thought-provoking episode, our experts challenge conventional thinking about assessment, arguing that formative assessment is the only type that truly matters for learning, whilst summative assessment serves as a valuable subset when used purposefully. The conversation reveals how effective assessment should celebrate children's progress across all domains, support teachers in their decision-making, and ultimately serve learning rather than simply recording data. With passionate discussion about measuring what we value rather than valuing what we measure, this episode offers both philosophical insights and practical solutions for PE assessment.

Welcome to Real Nonsense Episode 10! For the first time ever, hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) aren't delivering a straight "complete nonsense" verdict. Instead, they explore the nuanced world of daily running activities in primary schools with their inaugural "it depends" conclusion. The trio examines whether making all children run the same standardised distance or time is beneficial or harmful. Whilst acknowledging the importance of daily physical activity, they question whether one-size-fits-all approaches truly serve our pupils' needs. From creating negative associations with movement to missing opportunities for genuine learning, they unpack why standardised running programmes might be doing more harm than good. But it's not all criticism! The hosts share inspiring examples of schools transforming rigid running routines into joyful, choice-driven activities that actually work. Discover how creative teachers are incorporating pupil voice, cross-curricular links, and flexible timing to make daily movement meaningful. The episode also explores brilliant alternatives to laps: active learning techniques, movement breaks within lessons, Wake and Shake programmes, and the innovative real PE Daily activities that link physical movement to curriculum learning. Whether you're a teacher, headteacher, or physical education specialist, this episode challenges you to rethink how we can make daily physical activity truly educational, engaging, and enjoyable for every child.

Missing Movement: Why Taking Children Out of PE is Educational Madness In this thought-provoking episode of Real Nonsense, hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) tackle one of the most frustrating practices in education: removing children from PE lessons as punishment or to catch up on other subjects. This episode explores why treating physical education as expendable is not just counterproductive but fundamentally wrong. The team discusses how PE should be viewed as a right, not a reward, and examines the damaging cycle created when we remove the very movement opportunities children need most. Key discussion points include: Why PE is often the first subject to be sacrificed The counterproductive nature of removing active time from children who need it most How this practice sends the wrong message about the value of physical education Practical advice for PE subject leaders on having those difficult conversations The importance of courage in standing up for your subject The hosts acknowledge this is a challenging topic but provide thoughtful guidance for PE professionals who face this nonsense daily. They emphasise that every child has the right to be physically educated and make progress, regardless of behaviour in other areas. Episode Length: 16 minutes Featuring: Tony Smyth, Ronnie Heath, John Parsons Special Thanks: Steven Pritchard for suggesting this topic

real nonsense episode 8 focusses in on inappropriate warm-ups.  Join hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) as they tackle one of the most common pieces of nonsense still happening in primary PE lessons across the country. In this episode, we explore why traditional warm-ups like running laps around the playground or standing in circles doing static stretches are not just ineffective but are missing huge opportunities for meaningful learning. Our expert panel reveals why these practices persist and, more importantly, provides practical solutions that will transform your PE lessons from the very first minute.

The Great Sports Day Debate: Competition V's Collaboration Join Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath CEO of real PE, and John Parsons the Director of Innovation at real PE for this special edition podcast tackling the annual primary school sports day conundrum! As the summer term approaches, PE leads across the country are planning this important school event that often sparks debate among staff, parents, and pupils. Our expert panel explores how to create inclusive yet competitive sports days that reflect your school's values and physical education philosophy. They discuss the balance between healthy competition and collaboration, share practical strategies for engaging all children regardless of ability, and offer tips for communicating your sports day vision to parents. Discover how to transform your sports day from a standalone event into a meaningful celebration of your school's physical education journey, where personal bests are celebrated alongside traditional races, and every child feels valued. Whether you're looking to refresh your approach or seeking validation for your current practice, this conversation provides thoughtful insights on creating memorable sports days that showcase the best of primary PE.

The Great Sports Day Debate: Competition V's Collaboration Join Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath CEO of real PE, and John Parsons the Director of Innovation at real PE for this special edition podcast tackling the annual primary school sports day conundrum! As the summer term approaches, PE leads across the country are planning this important school event that often sparks debate among staff, parents, and pupils. Our expert panel explores how to create inclusive yet competitive sports days that reflect your school's values and physical education philosophy. They discuss the balance between healthy competition and collaboration, share practical strategies for engaging all children regardless of ability, and offer tips for communicating your sports day vision to parents. Discover how to transform your sports day from a standalone event into a meaningful celebration of your school's physical education journey, where personal bests are celebrated alongside traditional races, and every child feels valued. Whether you're looking to refresh your approach or seeking validation for your current practice, this conversation provides thoughtful insights on creating memorable sports days that showcase the best of primary PE.

Join Toni Smyth as she welcomes back John Parson (Director of Innovation) and Ronnie Heath (CEO) from real PE to discuss the exciting future of physical education. This thought-provoking conversation explores how EdTech can enhance PE provision, the importance of joyful movement experiences, and why focusing on inclusive physical development opportunities across the school day might be more valuable than traditional PE lessons. The team shares insights on where schools could prioritise their time and effort, the power of early intervention, and what success looks like for real PE in the years ahead. Essential listening for any educator passionate about creating positive relationships with physical activity for every child. 

Join Toni Smyth as she welcomes back John Parson (Director of Innovation) and Ronnie Heath (CEO) from real PE to discuss the exciting future of physical education. This thought-provoking conversation explores how EdTech can enhance PE provision, the importance of joyful movement experiences, and why focusing on inclusive physical development opportunities across the school day might be more valuable than traditional PE lessons. The team shares insights on where schools could prioritise their time and effort, the power of early intervention, and what success looks like for real PE in the years ahead. Essential listening for any educator passionate about creating positive relationships with physical activity for every child. 

Join host Toni Smyth as she welcomes back Ronnie Heath (CEO) and John Parsons (Director of Innovation) from real PE to discuss how their approach to physical education has evolved over the past decade. In this insightful conversation, they explore how the core philosophy of child-centred, inclusive PE and outstanding learning and teaching, remains unchanged while their delivery methods have embraced technology to provide more personalised support for teachers. Discover how real PE's professional learning approach is still changing practice and empowering educators to adapt their delivery and resources to meet the specific needs of every pupil.

Motor competence crisis: How modern life is affecting children's development Episode Description: Join us as we speak with Johann Issartel, CEO of MoveAhead, who reveals alarming findings about children's motor development in the modern world. Discover how 90% of children are now falling behind in basic movement skills, the impact of increased screen time and innovative solutions combining technology with physical activity to address this growing challenge. Johann shares insights from his research and practical approaches to help educators and parents support children's motor development in today's digital age. Podcast host: John Parsons, Director of Innovation, real PE Special guest Johann Issartel, CEO and Co-founder, MoveAhead   About the guest speaker and host Johann Issartel, CEO and Co-founder, MoveAhead MoveAhead is a company revolutionising how youth athletes develop and measure their motor skills. Using cutting-edge computer vision technology, MoveAhead enables objective movement assessment, enhances motor learning, and engages players through interactive video games and mobile apps; bridging the gap between digital play and real-world athletic development. John Parsons, Director of Innovation, real PE Following four years at Chelsea Football Club, John went on to do Joint Honours degree in History and Politics at Nottingham University. This was followed by a scholarship in the United States where he combined academia and sport by playing and coaching University football whilst gaining a M.Sc. in Primary Education. Following seven years in teaching and coaching, John went on to become Sports Coach UK’s London Regional Manager, their National Lead for Multi-skills and Fundamental Movement Skills and a FA Coach Educator. At Create, he has led nationally on developing products and solutions, including FUNS for everyone, Raising the Bar and the acclaimed real PE programme and has now taken on the role of Director of Innovation. As an outstanding Tutor and facilitator, John has contributed to the development of thousands of teachers and coaches.

In this thought-provoking episode of real nonsense, hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath, and John Parsons tackle the controversial topic of using exercise as punishment in physical education. They explore why this practice persists despite creating negative associations with physical activity, share personal experiences from the field, and offer practical alternatives for teachers in PE and coaches. Learn how to create positive relationships with exercise, manage classroom behaviour effectively, and break the cycle of practices that damage students' lifelong relationship with physical activity. Whether you're a PE teacher, coach, education professional or concerned parent, this episode provides valuable insights to transform physical education into a joyful learning experience for all students.

In this thought-provoking episode, Toni, Ronnie, and John tackle the common practice of praising performance in Physical Education. They challenge educators to move beyond generic praise and focus instead on recognizing effort, growth, resilience, and the journey to improvement. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, the hosts demonstrate how purposeful praise can transform classroom culture, student behaviour, and create more inclusive learning environments. Discover how to use praise as a powerful tool that nourishes long-term development.

Join hosts Toni Smith, Ronnie Heath, and John Parsons as they tackle a common but questionable practice in physical education: Sport-first curriculums. The team discusses why PE programs often prioritise specific sports over comprehensive skill development, the unintended consequences for pupils, and practical solutions for creating child-centred learning experiences. Whether you're a PE teacher, coach, or education professional, this episode offers valuable insights on building curricula that develop fundamental movement skills and positive learning behaviour’s while still incorporating sport in a meaningful way. Discover how making sport the servant, not the master, of your physical education program is a much improved approach.

In this episode we discuss why putting children into games before they've developed fundamental skills is setting many up for failure. As educators, we wouldn't expect children to write essays without teaching letter formation and sentence structure first, so why do we expect this in PE? Our hosts discuss: Why game-based learning is valuable BUT insufficient alone. How to make deliberate practice engaging and effective. Creating progression that builds physical literacy year-on-year.  Listen now and enjoy the conversation about creating more coherent, inclusive physical education experiences.

real nonsense Episode 3b: Team picking trauma Join our hosts as they tackle one of the most traumatic practices in physical education: Letting children pick their own teams. In this eye-opening episode, our experts expose the emotional and psychological harm caused by traditional team selection methods and offer practical, inclusive alternatives that create a positive learning environment. Discover how simple tweaks can transform a potentially devastating experience into a joyful, equitable approach to team formation. Whether you're an educator, coach, or parent, this episode will challenge you to rethink how we bring pupils together in physical activities.

Join our hosts as they tackle one of the most traumatic practices in physical education: Letting children pick their own teams. In this eye-opening episode, our experts expose the emotional and psychological harm caused by traditional team selection methods and offer practical, inclusive alternatives that create a positive learning environment. Discover how simple tweaks can transform a potentially devastating experience into a joyful, equitable approach to team formation. Whether you're an educator, coach, or parent, this episode will challenge you to rethink how we bring pupils together in physical activities.

Join host Toni Smyth and real PE founders Ronnie Heath and John Parsons to discover how to transform PE from an experience that too often leaves children feeling "embarrassed" and "humiliated" into one where every child feels they belong. Listen as these passionate educators reveal why they felt compelled to challenge the status quo, how they identified that many primary teachers lacked confidence in PE due to their own negative experiences, and why they believe quality physical education is more crucial now than ever. With authenticity and conviction, they explain what "real" in real PE truly means - putting education back into physical education with a child-first approach that ensures every pupil can succeed. Whether you're a PE specialist, primary teacher, school leader, or simply interested in educational transformation, this episode offers valuable insights into creating inclusive learning environments where all children can develop positive relationships with physical activity for life.

Join host Toni Smyth alongside real PE's CEO, Ronnie Heath and Director of Innovation, John Parsons as they tackle the outdated practices that still plague Physical Education. Each episode identifies ‘real nonsense’ - ineffective PE approaches that hinder children's learning and enjoyment - and offers practical solutions to transform these into engaging, inclusive learning experiences. In our debut episode of the real nonsense podcast, we explore how traditional "out" games disadvantage those who need practice most while offering limited challenge to confident movers. Our expert panel discusses how simple modifications can transform these activities into inclusive learning experiences where EVERY child gets maximum practice time. Whether you're a PE teacher, coach, or educator passionate about physical activity, real nonsense provides actionable insights to create more joyful, effective Physical Education for all children.

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the revolutionary "multi-abilities" approach, which recognises that successful physical education isn't just about physical skills - it's about developing the whole child. Discover why focusing on personal, social and cognitive skills alongside fundamental movement skills creates more inclusive, effective PE experiences where every child can succeed. Learn how deliberate practice in areas like resilience, cooperation and creative thinking accelerates physical development rather than distracting from it. The team shares inspiring examples of how this approach transforms not just PE lessons but children's broader school experience and attitudes toward learning. Whether you're an educator, coach, or parent, this episode offers valuable insights into what truly matters for children's development and how to create physical education experiences where every child can thrive.

In this episode, the team dives into the problematic practice of queuing in PE - why it persists, its negative impacts on engagement and behaviour and better alternatives that increase active learning time. Whether you're a primary school teacher, coach, or school leader, this episode offers evidence-based solutions to maximize pupil participation, skill development and enjoyment. Join hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath and John Parsons as they tackle the "nonsense" practices that persist in physical education but wouldn't be tolerated in any other subject.

Discover how to transform PE from an experience that too often leaves children feeling "embarrassed" and "humiliated" into one where every child feels they belong. Listen as these passionate educators reveal why they felt compelled to challenge the status quo, how they identified that many primary teachers lacked confidence in PE due to their own negative experiences, and why they believe quality physical education is more crucial now than ever. With authenticity and conviction, they explain what "real" in real PE truly means - putting education back into physical education with a child-first approach that ensures every pupil can succeed. Whether you're a PE specialist, primary teacher, school leader, or simply interested in educational transformation, this episode offers valuable insights into creating inclusive learning environments where all children can develop positive relationships with physical activity for life.

The real nonsense podcast tackles the outdated practices that still plague Physical Education. Each episode identifies ‘real nonsense’ - ineffective PE approaches that hinder children's learning and enjoyment - and offers practical solutions to transform these into engaging, inclusive learning experiences. In our debut episode of the real nonsense podcast, we explore how traditional "out" games disadvantage those who need practice most while offering limited challenge to confident movers. Our expert panel discusses how simple modifications can transform these activities into inclusive learning experiences where EVERY child gets maximum practice time. Whether you're a PE teacher, coach, or educator passionate about physical activity, real nonsense provides actionable insights to create more joyful, effective Physical Education for all children.

In this compelling episode of the real PE Podcast, Greg, Toni and Ronnie dive deep into the current state of Physical Education, challenging conventional practices and exploring what true success looks like for young learners. They candidly discuss the systemic issues in PE, from outdated teaching methods to the critical need for child-centered, learning-focused approaches. With passionate insights and a commitment to transforming Physical Education, they argue for a paradigm shift that prioritises individual progress, joy in movement and meaningful learning experiences over traditional, one-size-fits-all methodologies.  About the guest speaker:  Greg Dryer, Co-Founder, miMove   Greg is a distinguished physical educator with extensive experience in the field, working with three-year olds through to postgraduates. He led the PE departments of three large inner London secondary schools before moving into Higher Education. He was Founder and Director of CPESA (the Centre for Physical Education, Sport and Activity) at Kingston University, London. He has authored resources and curricula for students in India and the UK. His ongoing research and practice in supporting young people develop a physical activity habit, highlights the need for practitioners to be able to measure the impact of their work. miMove is the solution.  Find out more about miMove here Ronnie Heath, CEO, real PE  Ronnie leads an incredible team who are finding ways to provide the best possible early experiences for 4-11 year olds, supporting over 7,500 schools so far to make a proven impact and create positive relationships with physical activity for life. Ronnie, a former leader in education, award-winning National League coach and National Trainer, established Create in 2006 to inspire teachers and coaches to better include, engage and challenge all young learners. In addition to being an innovative and groundbreaking author and speaker, Ronnie provides inspiring thought leadership to change the culture of PE and Sport. As an international keynote speaker, Ronnie has influenced practice and practitioners in countries across the world including China, Malaysia, South Africa, South Korea and United Arab Emirates.  Toni Smyth, Insight and Impact Manager and Learning Specialist, real PE  Former Head of Secondary PE, Toni gained a Masters in PE and went on to become a higher education lecturer in Sport and PE. After a number of years working for professional rugby clubs developing their community programmes, she returned to education in the South West. Toni spent many years working with real PE in her role as Education Lead at Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership employing her breadth of skills and knowledge to help schools include, challenge and support all children in PE and Sport. Now working for real PE as Insight and Impact Manager, Toni leads on establishing Market Leading Authority around Professional Learning through rich, meaningful customer insights and the generation and celebration of a variety of valuable impact reports and measures.    Find more about real PE here

Want to turn your PE lessons from 'just another subject' into powerful learning experiences where every child thrives? Discover insider secrets from expert primary PE leads! Join us for an engaging exploration of primary Physical Education with two seasoned experts: Mark Templeton, a PE specialist with over 20 years of experience supporting schools across the South West, and Steve Low, a senior leader and PE lead at Bishop Henderson CofE Primary School, Taunton, who has a decade of classroom expertise. In this episode, they unpack transformative insights into creating inclusive, engaging and impactful PE lessons that go far beyond traditional Physical Education. Discover practical strategies for setting clear expectations, sharing learning goals and developing whole-child learning experiences that can revolutionise how we approach Physical Education in primary schools. About the guest speakers: Steve Low, PE Subject Leader, Bishop Henderson Church of England VA Primary School, Taunton Steve has been PE Lead for 10 years. He’s a PE teacher of year groups across the school for 3 days of the week, a class teacher and also Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Welfare lead.  Mark Templeton, PE and Sport Lead at Nerrols Primary School, Taunton and real PE Affiliate Partner, PE360 Mark is the PE and Sport Lead at Nerrols Primary School, Taunton. He is also the School Support Manager at the local Active Partnership (SASP) and has over 20 years of teaching experience. He offers bespoke Primary PE support and guidance for schools, PE leads and teachers. Mark is also an official real PE Affiliate Partner. Toni Smyth, Insight and Impact Manager and Learning Specialist, real PE Former Head of Secondary PE, Toni gained a Masters in PE and went on to become a higher education lecturer in Sport and PE. After a number of years working for professional rugby clubs developing their community programmes, she returned to education in the South West. Toni spent many years working with real PE in her role as Education Lead at Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership employing her breadth of skills and knowledge to help schools include, challenge and support all children in PE and Sport. Now working for real PE as Insight and Impact Manager, Toni leads on establishing Market Leading Authority around Professional Learning through rich, meaningful customer insights and the generation and celebration of a variety of valuable impact reports and measures. Find more about real PE here.  

Welcome to The real PE podcast, a friendly space for primary school educators passionate about transforming Physical Education and creating positive relationships with physical activity for EVERY child. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into what truly matters in PE with distinguished experts Ronnie Heath, Toni Smyth and our special guest, Greg Dryer. They challenge traditional notions of success in Physical Education and offer fresh perspectives on creating meaningful, lasting impact. Whether you're a primary school classroom teacher looking to enhance your PE delivery or a seasoned PE specialist, this podcast will inspire you to rethink your approach. Discover how to foster a lifelong love for physical activity in your pupils, measure progress in innovative ways and align your teaching practices with the ultimate goal of empowering children to choose active, healthy lifestyles. Get ready to revolutionise your PE lessons and make a real difference in your pupils' lives! About the guest speaker: Greg Dryer, Co-Founder, miMove Greg is a distinguished physical educator with extensive experience in the field, working with three-year olds through to postgraduates. He led the PE departments of three large inner London secondary schools before moving into Higher Education. He was Founder and Director of CPESA (the Centre for Physical Education, Sport and Activity) at Kingston University, London. He has authored resources and curricula for students in India and the UK. His ongoing research and practice in supporting young people develop a physical activity habit, highlights the need for practitioners to be able to measure the impact of their work. miMove is the solution. Find out more about miMove here: Ronnie Heath, CEO, real PE Ronnie leads an incredible team who are finding ways to provide the best possible early experiences for 4-11 year olds, supporting over 7,500 schools so far to make a proven impact and create positive relationships with physical activity for life. Ronnie, a former leader in education, award-winning National League coach and National Trainer, established Create in 2006 to inspire teachers and coaches to better include, engage and challenge all young learners. In addition to being an innovative and groundbreaking author and speaker, Ronnie provides inspiring thought leadership to change the culture of PE and Sport. As an international keynote speaker, Ronnie has influenced practice and practitioners in countries across the world including China, Malaysia, South Africa, South Korea and United Arab Emirates. Toni Smyth, Insight and Impact Manager and Learning Specialist, real PE Former Head of Secondary PE, Toni gained a Masters in PE and went on to become a higher education lecturer in Sport and PE. After a number of years working for professional rugby clubs developing their community programmes, she returned to education in the South West. Toni spent many years working with real PE in her role as Education Lead at Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership employing her breadth of skills and knowledge to help schools include, challenge and support all children in PE and Sport. Now working for real PE as Insight and Impact Manager, Toni leads on establishing Market Leading Authority around Professional Learning through rich, meaningful customer insights and the generation and celebration of a variety of valuable impact reports and measures. Find more about real PE here.