Introduction
In the latest episode of the PE Insights Podcast, host Nathan Walker is joined by two insightful guests, Simon Scarborough and Dan Hine. Together, they discuss how physical education (PE) can be transformed into an inclusive, equitable, and meaningful experience for every learner. Their candid conversation delves into personal journeys, professional experiences, and practical approaches to challenging traditional PE practices.
Simon’s Journey: From Aspiration to Leadership
Simon Scarborough shares his 23+ years of experience in education, highlighting his unconventional pathway into PE teaching. From coaching football at 16 to completing a Sports Science degree and a PGCE at the University of Bath, Simon has built a career focused on developing young people. Now a leader in a specialist provision school, Simon emphasises PE’s role in fostering personal development, confidence, and acceptance in a complex world. His work is guided by the principles of physical literacy and aims to support diverse learners, including neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ students.
Dan’s Perspective: A Different Route into PE
Dan Hine offers a fresh perspective, having transitioned from sports development into teaching after 16 years of coaching. His work with inclusion-focused initiatives, such as mixed-ability rugby, shaped his approach to adapting activities to meet individual needs. Dan credits his lived experience and creative methods for making PE accessible and empowering for all learners.
Challenging Traditions in PE
Both guests reflect on how PE has evolved from rigid practices, like the mandatory cross-country runs of the past, to more inclusive, student-centred approaches. Simon and Dan advocate for activities tailored to diverse abilities and interests, helping all students feel valued and capable. They stress the importance of challenging lack of awareness and continually learning to address social justice issues within education.
Mentorship and Professional Growth
The discussion highlights the profound impact of mentorship on professional and personal development. Simon reflected on how his mentors empowered him to make autonomous decisions during his training, fostering a strong sense of identity as an educator. He emphasised the importance of using personal philosophies and prior experiences to shape teaching practices. The value of continuous learning was underscored, with Simon stating he had learned more in six months at his current workplace than in any previous period, attributing this to a dynamic, supportive environment.
Inclusive and Alternative Education
A significant portion of the podcast focused on innovative approaches to alternative provision. Dan described working with small groups of students, focusing on life skills, wellness, and academic support. Notable successes included increased attendance and re-engagement of young people after years of isolation. This tailored approach demonstrated the potential of non-traditional methods in fostering both academic and personal development.
Advocacy for Inclusion
The discussion frequently returned to the theme of inclusive education. Both Simon and Dan champion the removal of labels, advocating for practices that benefit all students. They highlighted the importance of creating a safe, welcoming environment where students feel valued. The integration of sensory methods into physical education for students with disabilities was celebrated as a way to make activities accessible to everyone. Positive educational experiences are built on core values like acceptance, belonging, and compassion. Inclusivity, innovation, and a holistic approach ensure lessons address the diverse needs of all students, fostering relationships, understanding, and lifelong growth.
The Role of PE and Sport
Simon and Dan stress that PE and sport go beyond teaching skills—they build confidence, character, and community while promoting mental health and lifelong engagement with movement. However, traditional sports models often favour early physical developers, excluding others. Shifting towards inclusivity challenges elitism, broadens participation, and creates transformative opportunities for all students.
Teacher Wellbeing and Workload
Simon discusses how excessive workloads, such as organising frequent fixtures, contribute to teacher burnout and missed opportunities to enhance education. Reducing these demands improves teaching quality, fosters stronger relationships, and supports both students and staff.
Key takeaways
Compassion and empathy are transformative forces in education and sport. Prioritising understanding over judgment fosters belonging, personal growth, and lasting connections. By creating inclusive and supportive environments, educators can inspire confidence and lifelong engagement.
About the Guests
Today’s episode is a conversation with Simon Scarborough (PE Scholar) and Dan Hine, both passionate advocates of inclusion.
Listen and Connect
To listen to the full episode please follow these links to Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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