Can the PE curriculum evolve for families and communities?

[Perrin Fox]

If Covid-19 has taught us anything, then the important role of physical activity in maintaining good health and mental well-being must be high on the list. The article by Steve Williams (recently in the TES https://www.tes.com/news/4-ways-pe-could-become-key-part-family-life) certainly casts a different viewpoint on how to embrace the changes.

4 ways PE could become a key part of family life
PE may never return to normal – but it could evolve into a more family-orientated endeavour, is Steve’s main contention:

“Post-coronavirus much about physical education will have to change.

If nothing else, a two- or even one-metre distancing rule may make many former staples of PE lessons unfeasible.

This could seem daunting, but there’s a positive from this situation, which so far has been overlooked – it could mean that PE turns sport into a family-orientated activity that adapts to the new world that has grown up around us.

PE in the coronavirus crisis: Family time together
Whereas before parents would rush around dropping one child off at football practice and then taking another to dance class and then picking them all up in an hour’s time, now there is an appreciation of ‘active family time together’, looking outside in our own communities and making the most of nature and the great outdoors. Indeed, PE teachers perhaps have an obligation to continue this good practice and educate students on the importance of being physically active with their families. It would certainly link well with most PE department’s target of creating ‘lifelong learners/ participants’.

Perhaps PE teachers should be putting more energy into teaching sports that are family-friendly? Sports that mum, dad, son, daughter and even grandma can be involved in.

Can this sporting unit not only tick the box of physical activity but also help to combat issues such as the lack of community identity and spirit, reduce mental health problems, improve social wellbeing, tackle obesity and increase sports participation outside schools?

Would this shift of focus also pave the way for a more understanding PE curriculum where the whole student (in and out of school) is thought about and developed?

It’s a powerful thought.”

What changes have you noticed in your setting? We know that every setting is unique in its place and community. If you want to explore this idea why not get in touch with us here at Active Devon? We offer free consultations either virtual, by phone or email and will resume face to face visits when Government rules allow. Drop us an email and we can start the conversation now schools@activedevon.org
What have you got to lose?

Steve suggests:
“… use this time to reach out further than the sports hall and playing field. To reach outside of your school and show the wider community the true benefits of being lifelong participants in physical education. To show the exceptional core values that are attached to our subject, such as resilience, determination, respect and cooperation to name a few.”

[Klika]

Thank you

[Author]

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