PE Insights Episode 27: Anna Sheppard – A conversation about PE Curriculum

Introduction

In this podcast episode, Nathan Walker chats with Anna Sheppard, experienced PE teacher, leader, Head of Department, and soon to be Director of Sport. Anna shares her educational journey and career in sports and physical education (PE), with a focus on overcoming imposter syndrome and her views on PE. She shares insights into her career development, her role in a European sports committee, and her approach to PE curriculum design. Her experiences highlight the transformative power of physical activity and the diverse opportunities it can create in one’s professional life.

Early Passion for PE and Academic Challenges

Anna recalls a deep love for primary school PE, where she engaged in various sports daily. This enthusiasm continued into secondary school, despite gender-segregated PE classes. She excelled in sports and pursued GCSE PE against her parents’ wishes, who didn’t see its value. This struggle continued into A-levels, where PE was again a point of contention. Anna then studied Sports Science at Exeter University but lacked the confidence to pursue a PGCE immediately after graduation.

Diverse Career in Sports and Education

Anna’s career took off in New Zealand, working with the Special Olympics to create sports programmes for children with intellectual disabilities. This role was highly rewarding, fostering a deep sense of making a difference. Subsequent roles included working with the Commonwealth Games, the Australian Sports Commission, and the Heart Foundation, each focusing on various aspects of sports and health promotion. A pivotal moment came in Jakarta, where a conversation with a PE teacher reignited her passion for teaching. This led to completing a PGCE and a successful career in physical education, ultimately becoming a head of department.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Career Development

The speaker reflects on her early career, where she felt gaps in her knowledge compared to peers. To address this, she immersed herself in continuous professional development (CPD), reading extensively, and engaging in professional communities. This commitment led her to take a CPD leadership role in FOBISIA, eventually chairing the committee. Her growth was significantly influenced by a supportive headteacher during her PGCE, who emphasised rigorous training and encouraged her to observe various teaching styles, thus broadening her pedagogical perspective.

Diverse Experiences and Impact on Teaching

Anna’s non-traditional path to becoming a PE teacher included experiences in policy work around physical activity and working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. These experiences have enriched her teaching approach, providing her with a unique perspective on PE. She emphasises the value of having a diverse teaching team, combining individuals with traditional PE backgrounds and those with varied experiences to create a dynamic and comprehensive PE department.

Philosophy and Goals for Physical Education

Anna views PE as a vital part of the school day, essential for promoting physical activity and emotional development through movement. She advocates for daily PE lessons and highlights the role of PE in teaching students to handle emotions associated with sports. She aims to provide positive PE experiences that encourage lifelong physical activity, addressing broader public health concerns.

Curriculum Design and Concept-Based Approach

Anna describes her department’s journey in redesigning the PE curriculum using a “backwards by design” approach. This method involves defining long-term goals for students’ physical literacy and working backwards to structure the curriculum. The curriculum includes both activity-driven units, like badminton and swimming, and concept-driven units focusing on broader themes such as responsibility, leadership, and motivation. This hybrid approach ensures that students develop a wide range of skills and attitudes toward physical activity.

Diverse Units in PE

Anna discusses innovative units like the international sports unit for year 7s, in which students explore sports from different cultures, such as African dodgeball and wrestling, emphasising historical and geographical connections. Additionally, a disability sports unit includes activities like seated volleyball, fostering empathy by engaging students in disability sports.

Designing Relevant Curriculum

The speaker highlights the importance of designing a PE curriculum that resonates with students. Understanding students’ backgrounds and interests ensures relevance. She stresses the value of forming strong connections with students and colleagues to enhance teaching effectiveness. Continuous professional development (CPD) and reflection are crucial for adapting and improving teaching methods.

Top Tips for PE Teachers

Anna’s top tips include:

Connecting with students and colleagues

Engaging in ongoing CPD

Reflecting on each lesson and unit to improve future teaching

Supporting and learning from peers to foster a collaborative environment

Challenges and Solutions in PE

Anna acknowledges the challenge of ensuring consistent quality in PE teaching, which heavily depends on the teacher’s and department head’s approach. She addresses this by sharing resources, such as articles and podcasts, and encouraging peer presentations to boost confidence and collaboration.

Key Messages

Anna advocates for authenticity in teaching, continuous learning, and leveraging the best practices from various sources to create a curriculum that meets the needs of students. She emphasises the importance of professional development and the support of colleagues to become the best possible teacher.

Conclusion

Anna underscores the importance of thoughtful curriculum planning and professional discussions within the department. By integrating diverse concepts and activities, the PE curriculum becomes more relevant and engaging for students, preparing them for a healthy and active future. The podcast highlights how personal experiences and a collaborative approach can shape effective PE teaching and curriculum design.

About the Guest

Anna Sheppard is experienced PE teacher, leader, HOD and soon to be Director of Sport. She is also the Chair of FOBISIA PE & Sport Exec. You can connect with Anna directly via X at @physedshep

Listen and Connect

To listen to the full episode please follow this link:

or click here for the Apple Podcast.

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