Secondary schools wanted for exciting new teacher training project

23/04/18

Would your school like to take part in a pilot project that will improve the quality of PE and sport that you offer?

Sport England is looking for up to 50 secondary schools to take part in a pilot project designed to give pupils a more positive experience of Physical Education and sport.

The pilot is being put together to help shape a national programme that will offer specialist training and mentoring to at least two teachers in every secondary school in England by 2020.

Selected schools will receive a package of support and resources that will include funding, workforce training and mentoring.

Insights gained through Sport England’s Youth Personalities work have highlighted, that while some young people are getting an enjoyable experience of PE and sport in school, not all are, which is impacting into their adult lives due to the negative experience they had in secondary school.

It is critical that the education and sport system work together to build a stronger foundation for all children and young people that develop their personal competence, enjoyment and therefore avoids bad and/or negative experiences.

This approach sits right at the heart of Sport England’s strategy with children and young people being key consumer.

“We want everyone in England, regardless of age, background or level of ability to feel able to engage in sport and physical activity.”

The programme will work with a number of national partners including the Department for Education (DfE), Teaching Schools Council (TSC), the Association for Physical Education (afPE), the English Federation of Disability Sport (EfDS) and the Youth Sport Trust (YST).

What outcomes can schools expect?

• Children and young people will experience a greater breadth of sport and physical activity which should lead to better preparation for a positive future relationship with sport and activity
• Teachers will have more focus on helping children and young people to feel capable and confident in their abilities
• An improved confidence and attitude in teachers to encourage children and young people to be physically active
• A reduction in the number of children and young people having a poor experience of PE and sport in schools

How to get involved

If you are interested in becoming a pilot school for this exciting new project or want to know more please email info-CYP@sportengland.org with the heading ‘Specialist Teacher Training Pilot’.

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is 5pm on 1st May 2018.

Sue Wilkinson MBE, afPE’s CEO said:

“afPE is delighted to have been selected to work with Sport England and other national partners on this innovative pilot. The Association will offer specialist training to ensure that we better meet the needs of children and all young people, through a quality Physical Education and sport experience.”

“The development and delivery of a variety of specialist teacher training approaches will be tested in order to improve PE leadership that will impact on pupils attitudes and behaviour in Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity.”

“We hope that schools will volunteer to engage in the pilot so that we can ascertain a national view of what is required to create a sustainable impact for the sector.”