UKPE Newsletter

Just came across this post the UKPE Newsletter on the on the Human Kinetics Blog http://humankinetics.wordpress.com/  It contains a number of interesting articles including:

·  Product of the month…

·  Use change, challenge and choice to maximise participation in physical activity

·  A marathon challenge for staff at Human Kinetics

·  Schools make children more obese, leading doctor says

·  Obesity ‘in the genes’

·  Eighty-nine new specialist schools announced

·  Teachers engaged in CPD reaches 200,000

·  Swimming pool closures are national disgrace

·  Netball’s ten year game plan

A National PE Wiki your subject needs you

In a recent post about Higher and Int 2 resources I alluded to the Banchory PE wiki and the possibility of sharing resources by creating a PE swap shop. Well Lorna, Scott and Barry three teachers working in Scottish schools have taken it upon themselves to develop a wiki to share PE resources http://pe-resources.wikispaces.com/ Obviously Banchory Academy has willingly contributed to this resource but here is my challenge will you do likewise. We have the chance to create something unique to benefit us all. If you have something to contribute to the site email it to pe-resources@hotmail.com Lets go for it and build an incredible online resource for everyone.

HMIE: Physical Education: A portrait of current practice in Scottish schools and pre-school centres

The HMIE has just published Physical Education:  A portrait of current practice in Scottish schools and pre-school centres http://www.hmie.gov.uk/documents/publication/pepcp.html 

This is the first PE focused report issued by the HMIE for a number of years. The report is based on evidence obtained from HMIE visits to schools during the period 2002 to 2007 and sets out to relate existing pedagogy and curricular provision to the aspirations of Curriculum for Excellence. The report is also intended to stimulate debate about teaching for effective learning and challenge us all to review the extent to which current practice is successfully promoting the four capacities in all young learners.

To achieve these aims the report is punctuated with suggestions of the possible characteristics learners in physical education may exhibit in relation to the four capacities.  The report also includes examples of interesting practice and questions to challenge us to reflect upon current practice.

I think this is really helpful and it will be welcomed by the PE profession but my concern is that it becomes the definitive list as it has the HMIE badge. I can almost hear the computers whirring to life to convert this report to a Curriculum for Excellence tick list. I think the key point to remember is that these are only suggestions and whilst I would not argue against the inclusion of any of the characteristics etc neither would I want this to be the gold standard that everyone adopts as that would stifle innovation and suggests that excellence has an end point. I don’t believe that we can truly have a Curriculum for Excellence unless we are committed to continually improving, devloping and challenging what was previously regarded as excellent.

Dartfish Developments

For those of you who know me or follow this blog you will know that my video analysis software package of choice is Dartfish for its usability, range of tools, remote control and media books are a few of the reasons why. A number of PE teachers around the country are also discovering the value of the package. Kevin  Smith in Anderson High School in Shetland has been doing some sterling work developing media book resources to support his courses.

Looking to the future there are a couple of exciting developments on the horizon. Firstly there is the Dartfish online video platform. Imagine an online environment where you can upload and download videos but with a Dartfish twist in the mix. The videos can have key positions and comments embedded adding value and increasing the usability. Imagine being able to download videos uploaded by top coaches and educators with key teaching points and tips embedded. I also think there is real scope for using it with pupils in conjunction with Glow to create meaningful and personalised learning contexts.

The second development is a version of the software for primary schools. A simpler and more cost effective solution for use in the primary sector.

I also thought I would flag up this Dartfish case study  from Julie Howell of Dartfish being used in Evesham High School. Some interesting ideas such as the Dartfish leaders course and some examples of using it across the school in different departments