Introduction
In this episode, Nathan Walker is joined by Tom Darby, Business Development Officer at the Leadership Skills Foundation. Tom shares his experiences and reflects on the importance and value of leadership. He also provides his insights into the Leadership Skills Foundation’s contributions to schools and PE departments.
Early Life and Passion for Sport
Tom recounts his upbringing in Weston-super-Mare and his move to the East Midlands. His early love for football, shaped by memorable moments like watching the 1990 World Cup, influenced his career path. Despite facing challenges in secondary school PE, football remained his passion, leading him to play for local teams, including Mansfield Town and Notts County.
Transitioning to Education
At 16, after being released from Notts County, Tom decided to pursue an academic route alongside football. He completed a BND and HND while juggling family responsibilities. His career in sports coaching began when he worked with a local company delivering PE sessions in schools. This hands-on experience solidified his commitment to fostering a love for physical activity in children.
Embracing New Opportunities
After experiencing redundancy in 2011, Tom received an unexpected job offer from a school leader who believed in elevating PE within the school. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his full-time career in education. Over the years, he worked in various schools, focusing on improving engagement and developing comprehensive PE programmes.
High-Quality Physical Education
Tom discusses what constitutes high-quality PE. He believes that engaging children through fun activities lays the groundwork for lifelong participation in sports. Tom has seen success by incorporating games that build fundamental movement skills while keeping the lessons enjoyable.
Role of Community and Collaboration
Throughout his career, Tom has prioritised community engagement by connecting schools with local sports clubs. This approach not only enhances the physical education experience but also promotes mental well-being and social interaction among students.
Current Role and Future Aspirations
Now at the Leadership Skills Foundation, Tom works with secondary schools both in the UK and internationally. He shares how this role allows him to support educators and provide resources for enhancing PE curricula, fostering a broader impact on student engagement and enjoyment in physical activity.
Purpose and Programmes
The Leadership Skills Foundation aims to equip young people with essential skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, self-belief, and self-management. These competencies form the foundation of their leadership programmes, which range from qualifications to awards. Activities are designed to foster these skills, allowing students to lead initiatives in their communities and develop confidence over time.
Impact on Students
Feedback from schools highlights significant improvements in student confidence and engagement. Many students, initially shy, find their self-belief bolstered through leadership roles, whether in sports, dance, or other extracurricular activities. The foundation also emphasises the importance of these skills in preparing students for future employment.
Curriculum Integration
The foundation is evolving to offer programmes that extend beyond physical education, incorporating subjects like STEM and environmental leadership. Collaboration with schools helps tailor these programmes to fit their specific curriculum needs.
Recommendations for PE Teachers
Tom advises PE teachers to embrace new ideas and engage with students personally. Building relationships by understanding students’ interests and backgrounds fosters a supportive learning environment, enhancing their overall educational experience.
Frustrations in PE
The podcast discusses current challenges in primary and secondary PE, highlighting that many schools still fall short in fostering children’s physical activity. Tom emphasises the need for engaging and active lessons, suggesting that time wasted on transitions and changing clothes detracts from valuable activity time.
Encouraging Active Participation
Tom advocates for starting lessons with movement and creating engaging warm-ups. By using creative activities, such as group-based workouts, students can maximise their participation time, reinforcing the importance of being active from the outset.
Empowering Young Leaders
A significant point raised is the importance of giving students a voice in their learning. By allowing them to lead activities, they develop ownership and engagement in PE. This approach not only makes lessons more enjoyable but also nurtures leadership skills among students.
Conclusion
Tom’s journey illustrates the vital role that passionate educators play in promoting physical education. His insights emphasise the need for enjoyable, purposeful activities that encourage lifelong engagement in physical activity, ultimately shaping the next generation’s relationship with sport and health.
The discussion underlines the need for improved leadership and engagement strategies in PE, ultimately aiming to inspire a lifelong love of physical activity among young people. For more information on leadership skills in PE, listeners are encouraged to visit the Leadership Skills Foundation website.
About the Guest
Today’s episode is a conversation with Tom Darby, Business Development Officer at the Leadership Skills Foundation. You can connect with Tom directly via X at @LshipSkillFdnTD
Listen and Connect
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