In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined again by Dr Emma Powell for a fascinating and thought-provoking conversation about the role of swimming within primary physical education and why we may need to rethink what success in school swimming really looks like.

Together, we explore the place of swimming within the wider PE curriculum, discussing how we can move beyond a narrow focus on outcomes and consider the broader experiences children have before, during and after entering the water.

We delve into the concept of aquatic literacy, examining why confidence, competence, understanding and meaningful experiences in and around water matter just as much as the ability to swim a certain distance. Along the way, we discuss some of the challenges schools face in delivering high-quality swimming provision, including assessment, access, inequalities and the realities of adapting practice to meet the needs of all learners.

One particularly powerful part of our conversation focuses on children's lived experiences of swimming. We explore the emotions that often accompany school swimming, from excitement and enjoyment to anxiety, self-consciousness and vulnerability. We also consider how seemingly small factors, such as changing room experiences, can have a significant impact on a child's relationship with swimming and water-based activities.

We discuss swimming as a vital life skill and a form of 'protective armour' for children, while also reflecting on the barriers that prevent some young people from developing confidence and competence in the water. Throughout the episode, Emma shares practical insights, research findings and ideas that can help teachers create more positive, inclusive and meaningful swimming experiences for every child.

Whether you're a class teacher, PE lead, swimming coordinator or simply passionate about helping children develop a lifelong relationship with movement, this conversation will challenge your thinking and leave you reflecting on what truly matters when it comes to school swimming.

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In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Mike Kuczala & Lynne Kenney for a fascinating conversation exploring one of the most important relationships in education: the connection between movement, the brain and learning.

Together, we explore why movement is not simply something children do during PE or at break time, but a fundamental part of how they develop, learn and engage with the world around them.

We discuss the role of the brain-body connection, how children's early movement experiences shape development, and why understanding systems such as the vestibular system can help us better appreciate the importance of movement throughout childhood.

The conversation also explores what intentional movement can look like within classrooms, how small opportunities to move can influence attention, focus and behaviour, and why we should think carefully about creating environments where children are not expected to be still for long periods of time.

We reflect on the relationship between physical education and learning, the importance of developmentally appropriate movement experiences, and how we can support children to build positive relationships with movement that last far beyond their time at school.

Whether you're a primary teacher, PE lead or simply passionate about helping children thrive through movement, this episode will challenge your thinking and provide practical ideas you can take into your own setting.

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In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Author of Wanna Teach PE and Wanna Lead PE, Ben Holden, for a rich conversation exploring the realities of primary PE leadership and what it takes to create meaningful, consistent experiences for every child.

Together, we unpack some of the biggest questions facing PE leaders today. How do we ensure PE reflects the unique context of our school? How can we genuinely listen to and act upon pupil voice? And what does effective PE leadership actually look like beyond organising events and managing resources?

Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of building confidence and competence amongst staff, creating equitable experiences for all pupils, and finding meaningful ways to measure the impact of PE. We also discuss the wider influence of PE within school communities, from engaging parents and celebrating success, to shaping school culture and strengthening connections beyond the school gates.

Along the way, we reflect on the characteristics of schools where PE is truly valued, the priorities that matter most for PE leaders, and the changes children experience when high-quality leadership is in place. Most importantly, we consider how PE can become a vehicle for helping children not only move more, but also think, connect and grow in confidence.

Whether you're an experienced PE lead, new to the role, or simply passionate about improving children's experiences of physical education, this episode is packed with practical insights, thoughtful reflections and plenty of food for thought.

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In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Dr Gerald Griggs for a thought-provoking conversation about what meaningful learning in primary PE really looks like.

Together, we explore how we can create lessons that are more than just physically active, considering how children think, connect, grow in confidence and, most importantly, enjoy the experience of learning through movement.

We discuss what progression really means in primary PE, why periods of struggle or plateau can actually be valuable learning opportunities, and how some of the routines or practices we use with the best intentions may unintentionally exclude certain children from fully engaging.

We also reflect on the purpose of primary PE within the wider curriculum, question whether schemes of work should be viewed as a guide rather than a script, and explore how creative, unconventional approaches can help children develop skills in more meaningful ways.

As the conversation unfolds, we touch on an idea close to the heart of The PE Umbrella: have we become too focused on the physical aspects of PE, while overlooking the equally important cognitive, social and emotional experiences that shape children's lifelong relationship with movement?

Whether you're a class teacher, PE lead or simply passionate about giving children the very best experiences in PE, this episode is packed with ideas to challenge your thinking and inspire your practice.

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On this episode of The PE Umbrella Podcast I am joined by lecturer of Health and Physical Education at Deakin University, Cameron Van der Smee.

Amongst many things, we delve into the essence of great primary physical education, emphasising a learning-focused approach, engaging lessons, and the impact of negative experiences on student engagement.

The conversation covers inclusive teaching strategies, the wider learning in physical education, managing a wide range of abilities, quick fire tips, and the long-term impact of physical education on students. As always, there's something for everybody, whatever capacity you hold in the Primary PE space across the world.

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On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by primary PE teacher and founder of Play Folke, Gareth Williams.

The conversation covers Gareth's journey to teaching, the concept of Playfolke and changing perceptions of PE. Key takeaways include the importance of inclusive and engaging primary PE, building confidence in teaching PE, and the significance of relationship-building.

If you're looking for practical advice, look no further. What are you waiting for? Come and join me under the umbrella.

On this special episode of The PE Umbrella podcast, I am joined by best-selling author and co-host of the enormously successful High Performance podcast, Damian Hughes.

In this conversation, Damian and I discuss the power of consistency, the definition of high performance, the concept of the say-do gap, and the building of confidence and resilience in children. We also talk about the power of feedback, the importance of challenge and failure, and creating a culture of kindness and acceptance.

Above all, this conversation is grounded in the art of the possible, for those who work in schools every day. This is a truly remarkable conversation and learning opportunity that you can't afford to miss, so what are you waiting for? Come on over and join me under the umbrella.

Don't forget to check out the School Coat Charity below.

www.theschoolcoatcharity.co.uk

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Education research consultant, Vicky Randall.

This episode discusses the topic of movement competence and delves into fundamental movement skills, transitional movement skills, the proficiency barrier, the impact of upbringing on movement competency, transitional movement skills in PE lessons, and signs of progress in movement learning. We also explore practical ways to support movement development in lessons, emphasising the importance of repetition and simplification.

So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella.

Get that note pad and pen at the ready!

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by reader in PE & sport pedagogy at the Carnegie School of Sport, Dr Tom Quarmby

The conversation explores trauma-informed practice in primary PE, discussing the impact of trauma on children's behaviour and the role of physical education in supporting pupils who have experienced trauma. Tom shares insights on trauma, its manifestations, and the principles of trauma-aware practice in PE.

We also delve into facilitating and responding to youth voice, creating routines and structures, and reframing competition in a trauma-informed way. This is a conversation you can't afford to miss.

So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella.

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Elementary Physical Education Teacher at the American International School of Budapest, Rhys Meredith

The conversation explores the key elements of great primary PE, focusing on student voice, choice, and meaningful experiences. It delves into the concept of just right challenges, student autonomy, and the impact of student feedback. The discussion also addresses the challenges of implementing student-centered approaches within the constraints of existing PE schemes and the importance of giving students agency in their learning.

So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella