The Physical Education Revolution Starts Here

Physical Activity, Physical Education, Sport

Strength and balance

These are the three strands that Willand School is looking to develop under its p.e curriculum next year. This is a fantastic start in recognising the different areas: putting things in place to help them is then easier.

The UK government is fixated on “competitive sport” due to the “Olympic Legacy“. In the mean time we have a burgeoning health crisis with obesity, diabetes and heart diesease on the increase.

Coming from Eton and a selection of other public schools, the government really shows a lack of understanding about what physical education should entail. The reality of the pressures that primary school teachers are under getting 6 year olds through the phonics exam means that that physical activity is squeezed out.

School acquired deformities

I have a vested interest in what goes on at this primary school and the Willand pre school: because my kids go there. I have repeatedly told the teachers that the classroom set up is inhibiting my Daughter’s physical capabilities.

Michael Gove has no idea who my Daughter is, she is just a blip on a spreadsheet that the school is judged on. To me she is the most important thing in the world (and her brother) so I can not sit by and watch her getting affected by politicans’ ignorance.

That is why I am offering my time and expertise to make a difference. “Think Globally, Act Locally” is the mantra I adopt.

On Monday I did a workshop with the pre school staff on ways and means of developing the youngster physical movement.

Expressive vocabulary is key:

whirl        shrink                    gather          glide            leap

                 bound              spin                    crawl           slither

scatter                     dash              soar             drag                    pause                                      crouch                     burst            whip            plunge               

zigzag                     tremble                   skim              scurry         hop             rock                 skip             wander                toss

twirl                  press                     push                    tiptoe                  creep                    collapse           expand                 clap             rise

fall                          shrivel                      close            open            encircle         flutter               hover                   arch           sway         

wander                     settle                    crumble                  twist              turn                          shatter                      run              tap             freeze

are some words we played with.

I am hoping to help the Primary school develop their staff training and resources to make the teachers’ lives easier

The end goal is to get the kids healthier, happier, more active and physically literate.

There has to be more to life than government set exams!