Louise McArdle (Learn Sheffield) reflects on the session by Adam Fuller and Emma Banks on 'Planning, Procedures and Progress when returning to Physical Education'.
Planning, Procedures and Progress when returning to Physical Education
The session led by Adam Fuller (afuller@forgevalley.sheffield.sch.uk) was really useful and provided lots of information and further sources of support for leaders, PE Leads and teachers on how to ensure that pupils’ return to Physical Education is as impactful and successful as possible. In Adam’s online session which was co presented by Emma Banks emma.banks@sheffield.gov.uk , Adam shared a document from the Youth Sport Trust https://www.youthsporttrust.org/return-school-support-physical-education which much of today’s guidance was based upon.
Adam started the session by making the following important points:
· We need to consider the possible negative impact of Covid on children’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing.
· Physical Education is a statutory entitlement as part of a broad and balanced curriculum and should be available to all pupils.
· There is a difference between Physical Activity and Physical Education. Schools are advised to ensure that they not only focus on pupils being active but also develop knowledge and skills within the discipline of Physical Education;
· Ensure that guidance is followed and incorporated into the chain of command- School is responsible for RA and ensuring procedures and not individual subject leads. For further guidance on this schools can refer to the Association for Physical Education https://www.afpe.org.uk/coronavirus-guidance-support/ Also, the Youth Support Trust https://www.youthsporttrust.org/return-school-support and the DFE https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools
· The AFPE has also produced a toolkit for schools https://www.afpe.org.uk/physical-education/wp-content/uploads/COVID-19-Interpreting-the-Government-Guidance-in-a-PESSPA-Context-FINAL.pdf
Teaching Lesson Content Outcomes for PE
· Identify what you want to get out of PE during this time. What is your INTENT?
· Could you prioritise individual activities or chosen topics that do not include team games?
· How are you using the STEP principle to change lessons and how you are teaching- SPACE, TIME, EQUIPMENT, PEOPLE?
· Following government/ governing body guidelines on each activity that you are undertaking. PE should follow the guidance set out by the Return to Play plans for each sport where possible. https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/coronavirus/return-play
Teaching Remotely
· Potential for bubbles of pupils to be sent home for two-week periods at a time. Or, possibly a further lockdown.
· Schools should consider how learning will continue to take place through both Physical Activity and PE. Ensure learning is the focus for PE
Assessment and Progress
· How are you monitoring and measuring progress in PE during this time? - What are the learning outcomes for lessons? Think Physical, Social, Thinking and Health
· Are lessons assessed and has assessment changed in any way due to restrictions? Do you need to rethink assessment in PE at your school?
School Swimming
School swimming is now taking place again. Listen to Swimming Webinar or contact Swimming providers for more information https://www.learnsheffield.co.uk/Training-and-Events/COVID-Recovery-Festival
Extra-Curricular Activities
· Schools can operate extracurricular provision and use outside providers for this.
· Ensure visitors are compliant with school regulations, maintain distance and adhere to hygiene regulations as per PE lessons.
· Follow individual sports guidance for their Return to Play
Current AfPE Guidelines suggest inter school events and competitions should not currently take place.
Key Messages
· PE will not be normal and should not be normal if following guidelines provided.
· Prioritise outdoor delivery of lessons and outdoor spaces where possible and weather permits- large indoor spaces where this is an issue.
· Hygiene is important and should be planned thoroughly with school senior leaders.
· Consider how bubbles may affect the delivery of PE lessons and how you can navigate this
· Swimming can happen and good feedback that pupils are back in the pool and it is going successfully. https://www.sheffieldschoolswimming.co.uk/
· How are you bridging the gap between those that were active/nothing? Has there been an impact? Fundamental movement skills – have they regressed, gone backwards, how are we assessing them?
· What does success look like? Tweaks, changing the way we teach PE. E.g. teamwork, team building, can we use PE to support other areas of the curriculum
· News – lockdown
· Sports PE premium – purchasing extra equipment, help with wider school.
Many thanks to Adam and Emma for an excellent and highly informative session!