From the Head of PE and Sport 12.02.2022
FOBISIA PE and Sport eConference 2022
Prior to breaking up for half term and CNY celebrations, the entire PE Department were fortunate to be able to take part in a two day eConference coordinated and put on by the fantastic FOBISIA PE and Sport Executive. This group, composed of Department Heads and Athletic Directors from a number of schools within the FOBISIA organisation do a tremendous job in strengthening ties amongst the PE teaching community and creating fantastic opportunities for collaboration and sharing of good practice throughout the FOBISIA network. Whilst I have certainly missed the opportunities to meet with other colleagues in person at the annual Heads of PE Conference, a definite positive to come from moving the conference online is that for the last two years, ALL staff within the PE Department have been able to participate and benefit from the highly valuable CPD days offered.
As teachers, we are constantly talking about the virtues of instilling in our students the importance of being “lifelong learners”. As teaching professionals, it is imperative that we continue to reflect on our practices, upskill and evolve in order to offer the best possible learning experiences for our students in light of the rapidly changing world we now live in. In the next couple of weeks I will be sharing with you some of the insights gained by the Department and what they hope to be able to introduce to our teaching to give our students the best learning outcomes.
Mr. Richie – I enjoyed listening to Allistair McCaw on team culture and how to manage players and/or students during and off training sessions. Key elements such as getting to know your players/students and tailor each training session according to their personalities and abilities to get their potential to the next level. Understanding the purpose of teaching/coaching not only to produce quality athletes but also building positive personalities and relationships during the process.
In another session with Simon Mann (an ex PE teacher and now long time Head of School for a number of FOBISIA schools) we were asked to consider what is “the purpose of teaching PE”. Most of the attendees generally answered (including myself) that we wanted students to gain skills and have fun, to which he countered that teaching PE should be about how students can carry the skills and knowledge gained to activities outside of school. This statement opened my mind about what and why teaching/coaching in PE is to students. Physical Education, as a subject, is not only about teaching/coaching sports skills as well as fitness just to grade students, but also to teach them the importance of movement, collaboration and skills that can be used for daily activities as well as promoting positive growth in their brain cells, relationships and overall physical and mental health. Think of the possibilities on how they can use the skills/knowledge gained not only in school but also in their daily activities.
Mr. Bromley – It was great to network and catch up with former colleagues and friends from across SEA during the PE FOBISIA eConference, despite being under such restrictive travel arrangements. The Whova! App is an excellent portal to facilitate this and affords us the chance to share current best pedagogical practices and new initiatives from the UK.
After the first day, I particularly enjoyed listening to Steve Sallis on building Group Dynamics which emphasised the need for us to be introspective and reflective as professionals whilst recognising the excellent work the LE teaching profession delivers when compared to coaching.
Will Swaithes session on Classroom Teaching of (Examined) PE. I look forward to trying out some of his revision techniques, especially “BUG”ging questions.
Miss Catriona Watt
Head of PE and Sport
