The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

PE and school sports

Simon Scarborough

5 ways to make inclusive PE work

Adapting the curriculum is only the start in making PE more inclusive. Simon Scarborough offers a few tips. One of the greatest barriers I have faced when promoting inclusive PE practice is the misconception held by some, that making PE more inclusive somehow makes it impossible to stretch and...
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Simon Scarborough

The need for inclusive PE is greater than ever

If your physical education curriculum is to get every student moving, it needs to play to their strengths. Simon Scarborough explains how you can make your lessons more inclusive. With a rise in mental health issues reported among young people, and record levels of childhood obesity , it would...
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James Allen

PE in schools: future goals and current obstacles

Their ability to deliver outstanding outcomes is vital to the health of future generations, but the challenges faced by PE professionals are considerable. What lies in the road ahead? Back in March, I conducted some research with physical education (PE) professionals in an effort to really...
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Evie Prysor-Jones

'I refused to believe I couldn't walk' - how to challenge beliefs and achieve your goals

Paralympian Wendy Smith used her love of sport to fight against existing beliefs and explains how having goals and a passion can give pupils a toolkit for life. The Olympic and Paralympic games remind us all of what it is possible to achieve when you put dedication, positivity and resilience into...
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Chris Wright

Increasing physical activity and raising standards: the magic formula

Inactivity is becoming the biggest threat to young people’s long-term health (1). Chris Wright, head of health at the Youth Sport Trust, looks at how a focus on physical activity in your school can give it a competitive advantage in raising both health and educational standards. The issue of...
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Gareth D Morewood

Are inclusive sports days possible?

During what is perhaps the sportiest time of year, Gareth D Morewood investigates whether it’s possible for a school sports day to be an inclusive event. I think it’s safe to say that taking part in sport should be encouraged in schools. It’s an important part of having a healthy lifestyle,...
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James Allen

Who’d be a PE teacher?!

I’ve recently produced our PE, Health and School Sports event, so I thought I’d share the research that goes on behind the scenes and some of the key challenges PE teachers and coordinators are facing right now. As an added bonus, none of my friends have quite grasped what a full-time conference...
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