PE…Teaches Skills for Life - Louise Pavey, U

 




PE…Teaches Skills for Life

Coherence and progression within the PE learning journey should be carefully considered to ensure that the physical skills are developed alongside the necessary knowledge so that children can know more and do more. Getting this right from the offset is essential for not only building the foundations for children to improve, but for them to take ownership of their own development journey too.

Clearly communicating learning objectives (detailing the skills and knowledge) whilst fostering a collaborative learning environment, has the potential to unlock a platform for developing a whole wealth of other skills such as communication, problem solving and empathy alongside physical fitness.

We are now seeing more and more of our education and sports specialists actively planning for and delivering PE in such a way that it purposefully teaches skills that are not just taught, developed and built upon as part of the PE lesson, but skills that are transferable: skills for life.

The core aim of PE must and should remain the same…for our children to develop their physical competency and thrive through their physical education experiences. However, getting this part right, then opens the doors to explicitly address and develop other important aspects of PE… skills for life such as resilience, teamwork and initiative.

There are many opportunities for our children and young people to reflect on their learning in PE and develop positive emotional, cognitive, physical and social behaviours. The very nature of PE provides opportunities for our children and young people to become more aware of and develop their leadership, organisational and decision-making skills. All skills that are an essential part of physical education and physical activity. Taking the time to practise, reflect on and further develop these skills in PE has the ability to foster positive outcomes not only in PE, but in developing the whole child.

Within a safe and familiar space, we are also seeing many young children growing in confidence and further developing their self-esteem. How many of us are then stopping to think of the long-term links across PE, beyond the lesson? Think of the firefighters for example, who need strength and balance to do their jobs; or the surgeon who needs stamina and control for long and difficult operations. Think of the timing needed by a musician or the anticipation required to be a great photographer. Or maybe think of the teacher who needs to have great teamwork skills. The list goes on.

In settings where our children and young people value PE, where they feel part of their learning journey and understand the skills and knowledge in a safe and collaborative environment, we are providing the opportunity for further growth. Establishing a clear learning journey that is skills driven and knowledge rich, can also carve a path to shape a generation with a wide range of transferable employment skills, helping our children and young people set high aspirations for themselves and their future.  








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