Introduction
In this episode, Nathan Walker’s conversation is with Jon Campbell. Jon is a passionate physical educator who currently lives in the coastal town of Barry in Wales. In this conversation, Jon shares his positive messages as an advocate for meaningful physical education. He also talks about developing the Curriculum for Wales from a holistic perspective.
The Catalyst for Change
An accomplished rugby player, Jon’s journey took a turn when injuries curtailed his rugby career. Encouraged by his wife, also a teacher, Jon explored education. Despite initial hesitations, he embraced it, pursuing a degree in education, sport, and physical activity. This paved the way for a transformative role as a WRU officer and PE teacher. Amid success, he discovered he had Jr. OCD, which led to him becoming a mental health advocate for students.
Challenging Traditions for Holistic Growth
As head of department, Jon confronted a paradigm shift. Discovering a misalignment between traditional PE and students’ needs, he initiated a student voice activity. The results revealed a desire for holistic experiences, reshaping his educational philosophy. PE, to Jon, is not just about physical prowess but a tool for holistic development. It instils confidence, ensuring students navigate the world safely. The dire state of youth physical activity in Wales fuels Jon’s passion to redefine PE in the new curriculum. Jon’s philosophy, to facilitate holistic experiences in physical activity and education, aims to maximise each learner’s physical literacy journey. PE must inspire all to choose movement for health, well-being, and human flourishing, preparing them for a life beyond the school gates.
The Curriculum for Wales
Jon provides an insightful overview of the Curriculum for Wales, drawing parallels with Scotland’s educational evolution. He explains how the curriculum addresses shortcomings and redefines the very goals and pedagogical approaches in Wales. Jon highlights the challenges faced by PE teachers in Wales, particularly the deeply embedded technique-driven curriculum. This emphasised the importance of adapting to a student-centric approach, aligning with the Health and Wellbeing Area introduced by the new curriculum.
Lifelong Learners
Listeners gain a profound understanding of the redefined philosophy of PE as a tool for holistic development, not merely focusing on physical prowess. Nathan and Jon articulate how this philosophy aims to inspire lifelong commitment to movement for health and well-being, extending beyond the confines of the school environment.
Implementing Change and Pedagogies of Effect:
The podcast delves into the practical aspects of implementing change in PE curricula, particularly emphasising the ‘what matters statements’ and the critical role of pedagogies of effect. Concrete examples, such as teaching personal social responsibility, sport education, and cooperative learning, are discussed in detail, providing actionable insights for educators.
Assessment and Progress:
Nathan and Jon navigate through the transformed landscape of assessment strategies, highlighting the importance of fostering agency, autonomy, and affiliation among students. The personalised targets and reflective tools discussed contribute to a more meaningful and inclusive approach to assessing progress.
Conclusion:
Jon’s journey reflects a commitment to reshape PE, drawing inspiration from personal challenges and experiences. With an emphasis on holistic growth, his advocacy aligns with the evolving landscape of education, aiming to design impactful curricula for lifelong learners. The podcast encapsulates the transformative journey of PE in Wales, offering a nuanced review of the Curriculum for Wales. The hosts encourage an open-minded approach, critical reflection, and collaboration within the educational community. Listeners are left with a profound understanding of the evolving PE landscape, resonating with the overarching theme of creating impactful learning experiences for lifelong learners.
About the Guest
Today’s episode featured Jon Campbell, PE teacher, Head of PE, and PE Scholar consultant.
You can connect with Jon directly via X at @MrCampbell_PE
Listen and Connect
To listen to the full episode please follow these links to Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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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