afPE’s Chair discusses how membership to his professional association has benefited him

Mike Crichton, Chair of the Association for Physical Education talks about how he has benefited from being a member of his professional subject association, throughout his career:

“You could say I am biased as Chair of the Association for Physical Education (afPE), to state that being part of the organisation keeps you topped up with the latest news from not only the PE and school sport sector but also the education sector as a whole. But it is true!”

“As a PE teacher and head of department in Somerset from 1978-2001 I always found that I wanted to be ahead of the game and speak with a knowledgeable voice when fighting for my PE budget, increased time for PE on the timetable, release time to take school fixtures etc. You know the score!”

“Being a member of BAALPE at the time I was always ready with the educationally sound and up to date information to strongly fight my corner. Being an educationalist I also wanted to be on the button and back my views and opinions up with researched evidence. When I became a local authority adviser in 2001 it was absolutely essential that I was ‘current’ with my knowledge and understanding of the whole sector. With technology advancements over the past few years and the amalgamation in 2005/6 of BAALPE and PEA (UK) to form afPE, I really couldn’t have done without the information that the organisation has provided me with as a member.”

“Before I took early retirement from the local authority in March 2015, I used to say to all my school improvement colleagues ‘you want to join afPE, I receive all the latest information on Ofsted, DfE, etc. before we get it in the LA!’. As the subject association for Physical Education in the UK we really do pride ourselves in being ‘on the button’ and up to speed. After all, putting PE at the heart of school life really does require knowledge of the BIG and BIGGER picture and having it available 24/7 or through a direct conversation is crucial. I personally have never looked back and that is a long time to look back!”

Whether you’re a trainee/student or working in a Primary or Secondary school, a University or school-based training institution, a Local Authority or as a freelance consultant, the Association for Physical Education offers a range of membership services which will make your professional life easier and more effective.

Find out about Trainee/Student membership HERE.

Find out more about individual membership (including insurance cover) HERE.

Find out about School membership HERE.

Find out about Business Associate membership HERE.