Inclusive Practice in Physical Education

Trainee PE teachers experienced an inclusive practice workshop run in association with Albion in the Community.

The workshop 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 physical education.

The day 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 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: “Training experiences such this provides trainee teachers of physical education with a broad understanding of how top include pupils with additional learning needs into practical physical education lessons.

“I strongly believe that there is a place for disability sports for able-bodied pupils within the formal physical education curriculum because it is a very good educational tool for PE teachers to raise awareness amongst pupils in secondary schools.”