Embarking on the journey of physical education is filled with challenges, triumphs, and countless opportunities for growth. In this reflective podcast, we delve into the professional journey of Will Swaithes, Education Director of PE Scholar and Senior Lecturer in PE at Birmingham City, Loughborough and Buckingham universities. Will navigates through the experiences, frustrations, and insights that shape the landscape of physical education.
Finding Purpose in Movement
From early childhood, Will’s connection to sports and outdoor activities laid the foundation for a lifelong affinity with movement. Raised in the countryside, sports became the conduit for confidence, camaraderie, and exploration. Despite Will’s initial disengagement with classroom learning, sports offered an avenue where his potential flourished.
Unveiling Learning Potential
During the tough teenage years, Will had a real turning point when he met a teacher who changed everything. This teacher helped him see that he could engage in learning if it was tied to something he loved – sport. So, Will started seeing education in a whole new light. Learning wasn’t just sitting in a classroom anymore; it was hands-on and exciting, blending with his love for being active. And as he started thinking about going to university, Will knew he wanted to combine his thirst for knowledge with his passion for making PE a positive experience for others.
From Player to Mentor
Transitioning from player to mentor, Will embraced roles in coaching and leadership, channelling passion into shaping the experiences of aspiring athletes. The journey through higher education culminated in a profound realisation: the power of education to transcend the confines of traditional academia. Armed with this insight and a fervent desire to bridge the gap between research and practice, Will embarked on a mission to redefine the landscape of PE. Central to Will’s philosophy is the principle of inclusivity, ensuring that every student finds resonance and relevance in the realm of PE. He urges educators to embrace the diversity of learners and adapt pedagogical approaches accordingly.
Free resource pack
Will shares two exciting updates. The first of these is that PE Scholar launched a free resource pack in January aimed at improving physical education (PE) experiences for all students. Drawing from various sources, including Will’s own experiences and the Sport England funded Secondary Teacher Training Programme he was part of, the pack offers valuable materials. The Positive Experiences PE package aims to provide practitioners with the resources and strategies they need to create enriching learning environments. It is free to download and many schools are already having success using it to support professional learning, enquiry and exploration in the quest to make PE positive for all.
PE Scholar’s partnership with Oak National Academy
Will’s second announcement is PE Scholar’s partnership with Oak national academy as their curriculum partner for PE. Over the next 18 months, Will and Catherine Fitzpatrick (who many of you will know from Complete PE) will craft a comprehensive curriculum from Key Stage One to Key Stage Four, catering to diverse learner needs. This initiative aims to make PE inclusive and engaging for all students.
Top tips for PE teachers – a positive environment that is SAFE
Will then talks about his experience as a university lecturer and offers his top tips to PE teachers:
Smile and Show Compassion: Smiling can make a big difference in how students perceive their learning environment. It creates a positive atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and builds trust and rapport.
Prioritise safety and inclusion: Will uses the acronym SAFE to remember that
S is for Safety, which goes beyond physical well-being and includes emotional and social safety. Teachers should create an environment where all students feel valued and included.
A is for Active to ensure that all students are moving, after all this is the USP of our subject.
F is for Fun and meaningful learning. Fun should be a fundamental part of the curriculum. Meaningful physical education goes beyond enjoyment; it includes activities that challenge and engage students in ways that are personally relevant and fulfilling but fun is certainly the gatekeeper to effort and coming back excited to learn more.
E is for Everyone included. Teachers should embrace adaptive teaching methods that cater to the diverse needs and abilities of their students. Encouraging students to adjust the space, task, equipment, or people to suit their needs fosters independence and resilience.
Reflect and Embrace Change: In addition, Will also encourages teachers to regularly reflect on their practice and be open to change. Change can be challenging, but it is essential for growth and improvement. Teachers should seek opportunities to explore new ideas, challenge existing assumptions, and adapt their teaching methods to better meet the needs of all students.
Conclusion
Throughout this podcast, Will emphasises the importance of maintaining an open mind and being receptive to change. The landscape of physical education is evolving, and it’s crucial for practitioners to adapt and grow alongside it. This means being willing to explore new approaches, embrace evidence-informed practices, and continuously reflect on one’s own teaching methods. By staying curious, remaining adaptable, and prioritising the well-being of both students and educators, we can work towards creating more positive and inclusive experiences in PE for everyone involved.
About the Guest
Will Swaithes is Education Director of PE Scholar and Senior Lecturer in PE at Birmingham City, Loughborough and Buckingham universities
You can connect with Will directly via X at @WillSwaithes
Listen and Connect
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If you would like to be a guest on the PE Insights Podcast please reach out by contacting us here or reach out to Nathan Walker via X at @NWalkerPE
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