The PE Umbrella | Podcasting ALL things Primary Physical Education

On this episode of The PE Umbrella Podcast I am joined by lecturer of Health and Physical Education at Deakin University, Cameron Van der Smee. Amongst many things, we delve into the essence of great primary physical education, emphasising a learning-focused approach, engaging lessons, and the impact of negative experiences on student engagement. The conversation covers inclusive teaching strategi...

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by primary PE teacher and founder of Play Folke, Gareth Williams. The conversation covers Gareth's journey to teaching, the concept of Playfolke and changing perceptions of PE. Key takeaways include the importance of inclusive and engaging primary PE, building confidence in teaching PE, and the significance of relationship-building. If you're...

On this special episode of The PE Umbrella podcast, I am joined by best-selling author and co-host of the enormously successful High Performance podcast, Damian Hughes. In this conversation, Damian and I discuss the power of consistency, the definition of high performance, the concept of the say-do gap, and the building of confidence and resilience in children. We also talk about the power of feed...

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Education research consultant, Vicky Randall. This episode discusses the topic of movement competence and delves into fundamental movement skills, transitional movement skills, the proficiency barrier, the impact of upbringing on movement competency, transitional movement skills in PE lessons, and signs of progress in movement learning. We...

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by reader in PE & sport pedagogy at the Carnegie School of Sport, Dr Tom Quarmby The conversation explores trauma-informed practice in primary PE, discussing the impact of trauma on children's behaviour and the role of physical education in supporting pupils who have experienced trauma. Tom shares insights on trauma, its manifestations, an...

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Elementary Physical Education Teacher at the American International School of Budapest, Rhys Meredith The conversation explores the key elements of great primary PE, focusing on student voice, choice, and meaningful experiences. It delves into the concept of just right challenges, student autonomy, and the impact of student feedback. The di...

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by primary PE teacher at the United Nations international school of Hanoi, Matt Magowan In this episode we explore what excellent primary PE looks like, including show favourite questions from years gone by. The conversation covers the importance of transitions in PE lessons, the concept of student agency and choice in learning, effective clas...

This week I am joined by Josh Candy joins me for another conversation on all things Physical Development. In this podcast episode, the conversation covers the definition of physical development in early years, the transition from secondary to primary PE, the distinction between PE, sport, and physical activity, the role of sports in PE lessons, and the importance of creating a consistent environme...

This week, Dominique Chiquet (founder of the motor skill learning academy in Switzerland) joins me for a conversation on all things Physical Development. This conversation delves into the philosophy and practical application of physical development in the early years, emphasizing the importance of exposure to diverse movement experiences. It explores the balance between structure and free explorat...

In this conversation of The PE Umbrella podcast, Shane Pill and I discuss the key elements of great physical education, including pedagogical content knowledge, challenges for general primary teachers, and the impact of previous generations on physical competencies. Shane also explores the game-based approach and the importance of designing the environment for play, providing valuable insights for...

Welcome to the very first episode of The PE Umbrella Archives. This mini-series will run as a thread through the main PE Umbrella podcast as a means to re-visit classic episodes of the show that have truly stood the test of time.  As the show approaches its' 9th Birthday, I have reflected on the many incredible episodes from years gone by and just how much I learned from producing them and having...

With me under the umbrella this week is assistant headteacher and author of the book 'Making every PE lesson count ', James Crane . In this episode we find out exactly how to do just that, make every PE lesson count!  So what are you waiting for?  Come on over and join us under the PE umbrella.

With me under the umbrella this week is national PE subject advisor for PE New Zealand (PENZ), Marisa McKay.  Another wonderful conversation on ALL things primary PE awaits, so get that note pad and pen ready.

With me under the umbrella this week is the primary PE lead at British school Jakarta, Jo Heaume.  In this conversation we learn about Jo's journey to teaching internationally and exactly what makes PE tick in her school.  Ideas, tips and thoughts to mull over are all here in this episode, so what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the PE Umbrella.

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast, I am joined by PE mentor and coach for primary PE teachers who teach or want to teach in an international school, Gemma Craker. We talk through Gemma's own PE story and unpick her perspectives on the subject that we all love.  From lesson advice to  practical tips, it's all here, so what are you waiting for?  Come on over and join us under the umbrella.

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by PE Lead Shauna Pemberton. As an experienced primary teacher leading the subject, Shauna is making a real difference to the lives of the pupils in her school community, putting PE and physical activity at the heart of change.  She shares with us her relationship with the subject before offering her insights into how you can embrace PE in you...

This week on the PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by PE and swim lead, Sam Horton.  As somebody living and breathing leading the subject on a day-to-day basis, Sam is somebody who is in the know and it was fascinating to hear his perspective on the subject. In this episode you can expect some great nuggets of information that you can take away and try in your own setting.  So what are you waiting f...

Joining me on The PE Umbrella podcast this week is the Head of PE at the Alice Smith school Kuala Lumpur and the chair of FOBISIA P E and sport executive committee, Anna Sheppard.   PE perspectives, insights and advice are just some of what Anna shares, so what are you waiting for?  Come on over and join us under the umbrella.

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast, I am joined by senior lecturer in sport, PE and development at the University of East London, Mo Jafar.   I can't wait for you to hear this one, it was a truly fascinating and organic conversation with Mo about PE and the current implications across the landscape.  So what are you waiting for?  Come on over and join me under the umbrella!

With me under the umbrella this week is PE teacher at Capital Tokyo international school Hugo Pires.   Lots of people have asked for Hugo to join me under the umbrella and I am delighted that we were finally able to make it happen.  This was an insightful conversation into Hugo's perspectives on PE and how he has brought Parkour to his students in Japan. I can't wait for you to listen to this epis...

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by the deputy headteacher at the British International School in Riyadh and co-host of the infinite learners podcast, Lewis Keens. We discuss all things PE and in particular the importance of moving the 'right' way and staying true to our roots of movement as the unique USP of Physical education.  You won't want to miss this one.   So what are...

With me under the umbrella this week is another one of the most high-profile guest s I have ever had on the show .  He is the other half of the Ellis clan , Jiu Jitsu savage, master doodler , and all-round kind-hearted soul, my son , Oliver. In this episode I learn about how he views PE as he approaches his final few months of primary school and summarise how these may have been shaped. I'm very p...

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I invited my daughter to talk with me about Primary School PE. This brief chat provides an insight into the inner workings of Penelopes mind when it comes to the subject of PE and how she perceives it.  As with everything, context is key.  Penelope has a dad who lives and breathes primary PE.  I afford her the opportunity to attend out-of-school activitie...

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast, I am joined by professor of Physical Education and Pedagogy at Loughborough University, Dr Ash Casey. In this conversation, we learn how Ash formed his relationships and perceptions around Physical Education and how these have been challenged and evolved through the years.  We also learn some insights into Models-based practice and in particular, Coopera...

This week on The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by former secondary PE teacher, PE lead and author of the hugely successful book 'Wanna teach PE?' Ben Holden. In this episode I was keen to explore the implications for secondary trained practitioners and their place in the primary PE landscape, and ultimately the views held on what primary PE is and what it could/should be! So what are you waiting...