Trainee PE teachers finish on a high note

PGCE and School Direct PE trainee teachers completed their university-based induction having learnt how to teach physical education through what course leader Dr Gary Stidder has termed ‘The A list’ of physical activities.

Dr Stidder explained that: “The PGCE and School Direct physical education course at the University of Brighton focuses on an alternative approach to teaching physical education in order to emphasise physical activities which encompass non-traditional team games as opposed to the competitive team games usually afforded a privileged position within the physical education curriculum.

“Equally it includes lifestyle activities which have wider appeal to a broader population of pupils. These include physical activities considered to be less conventional compared to more established types of activities.”

The A list includes the following non-conventional physical activities

Alternative – Physical activities that depart from or challenge traditional norms and considered to be non-traditional in a UK context such as Tchouckball, Kinball and Korfball.

Adapted – Physical activities suited to pupils with additional learning needs, that can also be practiced by all pupils within secondary schools such as Boccia, Goalball and New Age Kurling.

Artistic – Physical activities related to cultural and artistic forms of dance.

Aesethic – Physical activities that are creative and involve a combination of movements that require precision, fluency and control such as urban gymnastics, cheerleading and trampolining.

Aquatic – Physical activities that take place in or on the water such as swimming, synchronised swimming, water aerobic dancing, water polo, life-saving and personal survival.

Athletic – Physical activities that require physical skill, agility and stamina such as street surfing.

Adventurous – Physical activities that require precise problem-solving and decision making skills such as orienteering and climbing.

Aerobic – Physical activities that are sustained and require low to high intensity such as jogging, rowing and cycling .

Anaerobic – Physical activities that are non-endurance activities involving speed strength and power such as sprinting, jumping, and throwing.

Highlights of this can be seen in the short highlight video:

School Direct Trainee PE teacher Alex Kibbey said: “The last nine weeks has been exhausting but also very rewarding. I really feel fully prepared for the challenges of training to teach PE in schools full-time since my subject knowledge is significantly greater than before.”

PGCE PE trainee PE teacher Jamie Dance added: “The induction period at the university has been invaluable with respect to enhancing my subject knowledge. We have been encouraged to be creative with our teaching and to take risks by introducing new and exciting activities to pupils. Having the confidence to do this is really important as we are the agents of change.”