Wheelchair basketball

Trainee PE teachers were introduced to wheelchair basketball as part of their course induction.

The programme, run in association with Albion in the Community, covered both theoretical and practical aspects of teaching pupils with additional learning needs.  The aim of the day was to give trainee teachers of physical education a greater understanding of more inclusive approaches to teaching.

The day also consisted of awareness training related to teaching pupils with hearing impairments, using sign language, and guiding pupils with sight impairments. Many mainstream secondary schools have pupils with sight and hearing impairments and who are wheelchair users – physical education teachers need to plan inclusive activities for these pupils.

As part of achieving the professional standards to teach trainees must have have a clear understanding of the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational need or disabilities, and be able to use and evaluate distinctive teaching approaches to engage and support.

PGCE and School Direct PE Course leader and principal lecturer Dr Gary Stidder said: “Wheelchair basketball is a great alternative activity and can be introduced to non-wheelchair users in schools. It is also a very good educational tool for PE teachers to raise awareness amongst able-bodied pupils in secondary schools.”