PE Insights Podcast

PE Insights Podcast - PE Scholar

Welcome to the PE Insights Podcast, brought to you by the fantastic team at PE Scholar. Conversations about Physical Education with Nathan Walker | @NWalkerPE A podcast for those dedicated to physical education - join the conversation. #PEInsightsPod 🙌🏼🎙️✨ Sponsored by Sports Directory, the leading supplier of PE and sports equipment to schools. If you are interested in coming on the podcast, message @NWalkerPE or @PEScholar on Twitter/X.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 88 - Matt Magowan - Split Screen Teaching, Learning Rivers, Universal Screening and Fundamental Movement

    In this episode of the PE Insights Podcast, Nathan speaks with Matt about how Physical Education can develop much more than pupils’ physical competence. The conversation begins with Split Screen teaching, an approach influenced by the work of Guy Claxton. Building on the podcast’s previous discussion with Dr Will Patz about making curriculum values explicit, Matt explains how teachers can deliberately foreground qualities such as courage, collaboration and independence alongside physical learning. He also shares how pupils can help to co-construct success criteria, making these wider learning behaviours visible, meaningful and easier to recognise within lessons. Nathan and Matt then explore Fundamental Movement Skills and the important role they play in supporting children’s development. Matt outlines how his school uses KIDDO to screen pupils from Early Years 3 to Grade 5, alongside beginning-of-unit assessments and Guttman analysis in selected areas of the curriculum. Rather than viewing assessment as an endpoint, the discussion considers how it can help teachers understand pupils’ starting points and make better-informed decisions about curriculum planning and teaching. The episode also examines learner variability: recognising that pupils arrive in PE with different experiences, strengths, needs and levels of confidence. Matt shares how assessment information can be used to plan more responsive learning experiences while maintaining high expectations for every pupil. Throughout the conversation, Nathan and Matt consider how PE teachers can make both physical learning and personal development more intentional, visible and accessible. Topics covered include: What Split Screen teaching means in Physical Education Making curriculum values and learning behaviours explicit Co-constructing success criteria with pupils Assessing Fundamental Movement Skills Using KIDDO as a universal movement screener How Guttman analysis can inform curriculum planning Planning and teaching for learner variability Using assessment to support responsive and inclusive practice An insightful episode for PE teachers, curriculum leaders and anyone interested in using assessment purposefully to better understand and support every learner. Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership—your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit ⁠https://psch.la/POD10⁠ for 10% off today! We are excited to share our partnership with ⁠Sports Directory⁠. Through its “⁠My School Rewards⁠” scheme, your school will receive 10% back on every order, helping you make your departmental budget go further.

    Episode 88 - Matt Magowan - Split Screen Teaching, Learning Rivers, Universal Screening and Fundamental Movement

  2. Jul 24

    Episode 87 - Student Guest Host: Zara - 'A note to my PE teacher': Student Voice on Physical Education Experiences

    What happens when we stop talking about student voice and genuinely hand students the microphone? In this special episode of the PE Insights Podcast, Nathan hands hosting duties to aspiring PE teacher Zara. She is joined by Grace, Amber and Rosa, who are entering Year 10; Jack, who is beginning sixth form; Jas, who is studying psychology at university; and Ellie, who is at college. Using the idea of a “note to my PE teacher”, the panel reflect honestly on the experiences that shaped their relationship with PE, sport and physical activity. Together, they explore: The confidence created through leadership, responsibility and being trusted The importance of activity choices, friendship groups and meaningful student voice How uncomfortable or restrictive PE kit can become a barrier to participation Why patience, positivity and clear lesson purposes matter The need to notice and support every student—not only the most confident or sporty How PE can help young people develop a lasting relationship with movement beyond school Their messages are thoughtful, practical and, at times, powerfully direct: “Dear PE teacher, let us make mistakes without feeling embarrassed.” “Dear PE teacher, help us discover something we never knew we could do.” “Dear PE teacher, please don’t just notice the sporty children.” An essential listen for PE teachers, leaders and anyone involved in shaping young people’s experiences of physical education. Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership—your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today! We are excited to share our partnership with Sports Directory. Through its “My School Rewards” scheme, your school will receive 10% back on every order, helping you make your departmental budget go further.

    Episode 87 - Student Guest Host: Zara - 'A note to my PE teacher': Student Voice on Physical Education Experiences

  3. Jun 26

    Episode 86 - Exam PE Series: Deep Dive 4 - A deep dive into Cambridge National in Sport Studies/Sport Science with Kate Thompson and Mark Johnson

    In Episode 86 of the PE Insights Podcast, Nathan Walker is joined by co-host Will Swaithes for the next episode in the examination Physical Education series. This week, they speak with Kate Thompson and Mark Johnson, Physical Education and Sport Subject Advisors at Cambridge OCR, for a deep dive into the Cambridge National qualifications in Sport Studies and Sport Science. Across the episode, Kate and Mark offer clear, practical and reassuring guidance for PE departments delivering, reviewing, or considering these qualifications. The conversation explores the key differences between Sport Studies and Sport Science, how centres can choose the right pathway for their learners, and the importance of understanding the specification, assessment structure and moderation process. The discussion also considers the realities of workload, internal assessment, the terminal exam rule, changing NEA assignments, and how teachers can make best use of the support, resources and guidance available through Cambridge OCR. Nathan, Will, Kate and Mark also reflect on the future of examination PE, including the role of practical assessment, the need to better promote careers in sport, health and exercise, and how qualifications can connect more meaningfully to real-world pathways in the sports industry. This episode is particularly useful for PE teachers, Heads of Department, curriculum leaders and anyone involved in planning or delivering Level 1/2 sport qualifications. Find out more about Cambridge National in Sport Studies and Sport Science here:https://hubs.li/Q04lxwbs0 You can also follow Cambridge OCR through their social media channels: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CambridgeOCRFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/cambridgeocrLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridgeocr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambridgeocr Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit ⁠https://psch.la/POD10⁠ for 10% off today! We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

    Episode 86 - Exam PE Series: Deep Dive 4 - A deep dive into Cambridge National in Sport Studies/Sport Science with Kate Thompson and Mark Johnson

  4. Jun 12

    Episode 85 - Ian Shrubsole - Visible and Invisible Fundamentals and a focus on Movement Solutions

    In this episode of the PE Insights Podcast, I am joined by Ian Shrubsole for a thoughtful, practical and deeply reflective conversation about Physical Education, movement, games, and the fundamentals that really matter. Drawing on over 30 years of experience teaching PE, Ian reflects on his journey from a more traditional “fundamentals first” approach towards a more playful, game-based and problem-solving view of learning. Together, we explore the difference between technique and skill, why children do not always need to “master” isolated techniques before they play, and how carefully designed games can help young people discover movement solutions that work for them. A central thread of the episode is Ian’s powerful distinction between visible and invisible fundamentals. While speed, jumping, throwing, catching and technical execution are often easier to see and assess, Ian invites us to think more carefully about the less visible qualities that may matter even more: resilience, communication, confidence, curiosity, emotional regulation, collaboration and the ability to cope when things do not go to plan. We also discuss the importance of knowing the children in front of you, creating playful but purposeful learning environments, stepping back to observe, adapting activities in the moment, and protecting young people’s enthusiasm for movement. This is a brilliant episode for PE teachers, trainee teachers, primary practitioners, coaches, mentors and anyone interested in what Physical Education could and should offer young people beyond sport alone. Key themes include: Game-based learning in PEVisible and invisible fundamentalsMovement solutions and problem-solvingTechnique versus skillIntentional play and purposeful gamesAssessment in Physical EducationPrimary PE and long-term participationCreating positive, inclusive movement experiences If you are interested in curriculum, pedagogy, games, movement, meaningful PE and the future direction of the subject, this episode offers plenty to reflect on. Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today! We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

    Episode 85 - Ian Shrubsole - Visible and Invisible Fundamentals and a focus on Movement Solutions

  5. Jun 5

    Episode 84 - Nathan Walker - A Reflection from Me... Advice for Trainee PE Teachers

    Something a little different this time round. In this reflective solo episode of the PE Insights Podcast, Nathan Walker pauses to consider a deceptively simple question: “If you had to give one piece of advice to a trainee PE teacher, what would it be?” Rather than offering a list of quick tips around planning, behaviour management, assessment, pedagogy or curriculum design, Nathan places his flag firmly in the ground around one central idea: the importance of creating a purposeful, inclusive and meaningful motivational climate in Physical Education. This episode explores why the climate of a PE lesson is not the “soft stuff” around the edges of teaching, but the very condition that allows young people to participate, belong, take risks, develop confidence and experience movement in ways that matter. Nathan reflects on the questions PE teachers and trainee teachers might ask themselves when shaping a movement space: Do all pupils feel welcome?Do they feel that they belong?Are we aware of their needs, motivations and aspirations?Are we creating opportunities for voice, autonomy and agency?Are we using feedback and conversation intentionally, rather than relying on throwaway praise?Are we helping young people connect movement to meaning, value, identity and human development? The episode also considers the unique vulnerability of Physical Education as a subject, where young people are asked to move, perform, fail, compete, cooperate, be seen and use their bodies in front of others. For this reason, Nathan argues that the motivational climate we create is central to whether pupils feel safe enough, confident enough and motivated enough to engage meaningfully. At its heart, this is an episode about the kind of spaces we create in PE. Not simply activity spaces.Not performance-sorting spaces.Not behaviour-management spaces. But genuine movement spaces where young people can move, think, feel and connect. A thought-provoking listen for trainee PE teachers, PE mentors, teacher educators, school-based colleagues and anyone interested in meaningful Physical Education, inclusive practice, pupil motivation and the future of PE. Get the motivational climate of the movement space right, and you’ll be grand. Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today! We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

    Episode 84 - Nathan Walker - A Reflection from Me... Advice for Trainee PE Teachers

  6. May 27

    Episode 83 - Chris Welburn & Chris Brammall (The Football Association) - Future Fit and the 3v3 format - what might it mean for PE?

    In this episode of the PE Insights Podcast, Nathan visits St George’s Park, the home of English football, for a conversation with Chris Welburn and Chris Brammall from The Football Association. Both Chris’ are National Development Managers with significant experience across football development and Physical Education. Together, we explore The FA’s FutureFit direction, the introduction of the 3v3 format, and what these changes could mean for young people, coaches, teachers, schools and the wider game. The conversation considers why smaller formats matter, how 3v3 can provide more touches, more decisions, more involvement and more opportunities for children to enjoy the game, and how schools might use these ideas to create more inclusive, engaging and developmentally appropriate football experiences. We also discuss the relationship between grassroots football and Physical Education, asking how PE teachers can respond to these changes and what this direction might mean for curriculum design, participation, confidence, competence and lifelong engagement in football. Whether you are a PE teacher, coach, trainee teacher, football development officer or someone passionate about children’s experiences in sport, this episode offers a valuable insight into the future direction of youth football in England. Useful resource:You can access The FA’s Know Your Format resource here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12q_lnd1BFgLDnAOZl0mPbrQ3VgbjESSh/view?usp=drivesdk Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today! We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

    Episode 83 - Chris Welburn & Chris Brammall (The Football Association) - Future Fit and the 3v3 format - what might it mean for PE?

  7. May 1

    Episode 82 - Jack Harvey - Are we really doing anything new?

    Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast. In Episode 81, I’m joined by Jack Harvey. A passionate and well-read voice in Physical Education who is not afraid to challenge the direction of our subject. This is not a safe conversation. Jack offers a perspective that will resonate with many. It may also frustrate others. That is exactly why it matters. We explore a fundamental question:What is Physical Education actually becoming? Across the profession, practice is increasingly shaped by performance, visibility, and curated moments. But what sits beneath that? In this episode, we unpack: • The growing gap between what we say PE is and what we actually deliver• The influence of social media and performative practice• Whether engagement is being prioritised at the expense of learning• The identity crisis within Physical Education• What we risk losing if we continue down the current path Jack speaks with clarity and conviction. His views are grounded in reading, reflection, and experience. You may agree. You may strongly disagree. Either way, this episode will make you think. As always, we would love to hear your perspective. Join the conversation and share your thoughts. Sit back, keep an open mind, and let’s get into it. Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today! We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

    Episode 82 - Jack Harvey - Are we really doing anything new?

  8. Apr 2

    Episode 81 - Exam PE Series: Deep Dive 3 - A deep dive into NCFE's Technical Award in Health and Fitness with Kieran Palmer

    Welcome back to the PE Insights Podcast! After taking a short break due to moving house, my new role and a recent Ofsted visit. We are back with episode 81, and episode 3 of our Exam PE deep dives. In today's episode, I am joined again by Will Swaithes, and our guest Kieran Palmer. Kieran brings experience of teaching NCFE's Technical Award (Level 1/2) in Health and Fitness, and in this conversation we unpack the specification, pupils' misconceptions, assessment and top tips for teaching the course. As always, we would love to hear your thoughts, so please share on social media should you wish. Now, sit back, relax and let's dive in! Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today! We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.

    Episode 81 - Exam PE Series: Deep Dive 3 - A deep dive into NCFE's Technical Award in Health and Fitness with Kieran Palmer
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About

Welcome to the PE Insights Podcast, brought to you by the fantastic team at PE Scholar. Conversations about Physical Education with Nathan Walker | @NWalkerPE A podcast for those dedicated to physical education - join the conversation. #PEInsightsPod 🙌🏼🎙️✨ Sponsored by Sports Directory, the leading supplier of PE and sports equipment to schools. If you are interested in coming on the podcast, message @NWalkerPE or @PEScholar on Twitter/X.

Information

  • Creator
    PE Insights Podcast - PE Scholar
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © PE Insights Podcast - PE Scholar
  • Show Website
    PE Insights Podcast

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