Cymraeg
Physical Education and School Sport
The PE and School Sport team work to provide support to schools in helping them to raise the standard of what children and young people know and are able to do in physical education contexts. We do not see this aspect of education in isolation to others but as interdependent with all other aspects of the young person’s overall development. In addition, we aim that our support helps achieve a positive effect on the whole school ethos by improving the self-esteem and self image of children and young people through their PE lessons and by improving the confidence and enjoyment of teachers in delivering the physical education curriculum.
PE and School Sport Project (PESS)
In partnership with the Sports Council for Wales we manage and co-ordinate the PE and School Sport (PESS) project. This scheme is intended to help raise standards in PE and to raise the profile of the subject within the school and the authority by sharing and disseminating good practice. Each school in Swansea is programmed to participate in the scheme as part of a partnership cluster by Summer 2010. As part of the scheme, we are co-ordinating partnership training for primary and secondary teachers on curricular areas of their choice. Most partnerships have chosen dance or gymnastics and some have opted to explore some possibilities with Adventure activities or games. A mentoring scheme is also co-ordinated as a professional development opportunity, for teacher mentors from within the partnerships to support others and for teacher mentees to receive support over a period of weeks. This aspect of our work is helpful in establishing good relationships within partnerships and in making a positive contribution to successful transition for pupils between phases of education. We also help co-ordinate an annual South West Regional Conference with partner authorities to disseminate effective practice.
Safe Practice
Advice and support is also provided on safe practice in Physical Education and Sport. The authority purchases a copy of this document for all it’s schools as an essential guide to matters on safety. Participation in physical education provides hugely valuable multi-dimensional learning experiences for pupils and it is vital to manage the risks inherent in these activities, for pupils to derive maximum learning benefit. Whilst we can never guarantee that no one will be injured, it is our duty to ensure that measures are in place that allow pupils to feel suitably challenged by activities that are appropriate to their stage of development but at the same time, to be appropriately and safely supported in the activity in which they are engaged. Curriculum Support and Courses Curriculum support is also available for schools that are seeking to improve the standard of activities within the physical education curriculum, or in developing supporting documentation. Many teachers seek confidence in teaching dance and gymnastics in particular. Many are unsure on safety issues and seek confidence and ideas in making the activities enjoyable. Many seek support in the achievement of continuity and progression in these areas. It is often an attractive proposition to be supported at their own school in improving their skills, by participating in and observing lead lessons with their own class over a period of a few weeks. Although courses are not the centre point of support, opportunities for training are made available through the authorities Professional Development Opportunities. In 2008-09, there will be opportunities to receive training in PESS gymnastics and Dance programmes as well as training for those who are teaching swimming to primary school children in particular. Also there will be some opportunities with Adventure activities and network meetings for Heads of PE, PE teachers and primary subject leaders to share ideas on the problems faces in responding to the demands of the 2008 PE curriculum. The Active Marc Cymru Award The ActiveMarc Cymru award is a new quality standard award administered by the Sports Council for Wales. In making their application, schools conduct a self evaluation exercise and gather evidence in relation to Estyn’s key questions, in order to demonstrate that the standard is being met. In order to be considered by the awarding panel, each application must have a recommendation from the LEA. We are keen to provide this facility on behalf of our schools and to work with them in supporting their application for the ActiveMarc Cymru Award. Monitoring and review Support is also available to schools undertaking a faculty, departmental or subject review. We aim for an approach where we work with school colleagues on the process rather than ‘do it to’ them. We aim to negotiate a clear agreed focus, to gather and interpret data and then generate options for achievable actions that can help move the school forward towards improvement. An approach where teachers feel ownership of the process is preferred because it is they who will need to implement any actions that have been formulated as a result of the process. Support is usually provided in completing the written report.
Support with appointments
Support is also available for Headteachers and Governing bodies in making appointments of physical education teachers, subject leaders or heads of department. Projects From time to time special projects or grants become available and support is available to help schools to make the most of these opportunities. As recent examples, schools have been supported in gaining lottery grants to develop sport facilities and playground markings and others have received support through ‘physical activity mentoring’ with a Healthy Schools grant from the Health Promotion Unit.
