Introduction
In this episode, Louise Hacking, a lecturer at Leeds Beckett University and passionate advocate for girls’ participation in physical education, discusses breaking down the stigma around topics like periods and sports bras, often overlooked barriers in PE. These issues impact girls’ engagement and enjoyment in physical activities and addressing them openly can lead to more positive PE experiences.
Louise’s Journey and Advocacy
Louise’s background in sport and education shaped her dedication to promoting inclusivity in PE. Growing up active in a small community, she saw sports as a way to connect with friends. Her experiences as a PE teacher and leader highlighted inequalities between boys’ and girls’ access to sports resources and opportunities, particularly in more traditional, male-led departments. Louise developed an acute awareness of the unique barriers girls face in PE, fuelling her drive to create a supportive environment for girls in physical education.
Addressing Barriers with Student Voice
Louise shares an impactful intervention she led with ‘non-sporty’ girls at her school to address their disengagement. In partnership with the Leeds Girls Can initiative, she invited a group of disengaged girls to lunchtime sessions where they could try new activities and share thoughts on PE in a safe, informal setting. These discussions revealed insights into why many girls felt uncomfortable in PE and what changes they wanted to see, helping build their confidence and sense of belonging.
Challenging Stigmas: Periods and Sports Bras
The conversations with students highlighted periods and sports bras as significant barriers. These topics are rarely addressed openly, but they can be pivotal to girls’ comfort and participation in sports. Louise encourages both male and female PE teachers to discuss these subjects sensitively, making students feel understood and supported. By challenging these stigmas, Louise believes teachers can create a more inclusive environment that empowers girls, encourages participation, and nurtures a healthier, more positive attitude toward PE.
Inspiring Positive Change Among Educators
Louise encourages educators to reflect on their practices and consider the subtle biases or assumptions they may hold about gender and participation in PE. She urges PE teachers to create an environment where girls feel seen, heard, and supported, moving away from outdated norms to foster a more inclusive approach.
Closing Reflections and Encouragement
This episode underscores the importance of teacher awareness, allyship, and open dialogue to make PE accessible and enjoyable for all students.
The episode concludes with gratitude for Louise’s dedication to championing young girls in PE and raising awareness of the hidden barriers they face. The host encourages listeners to use this episode as an opportunity to reflect on their own practices, ensuring they provide positive, inclusive experiences for all students in PE.
About the Guest
Today’s episode is a conversation with Louise Hacking, lecturer of PE at Leeds Beckett University, Associate for PE Scholar, previous HOD and PE teacher. You can connect with Louise via X @HackingLouise
Listen and Connect
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