It's National School Sport Week and Hartpury University is recognising how its BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport students are making a significant impact in the field of school sport through various initiatives and partnerships. From inclusive physical education (PE) lessons for SEN pupils to upskilling future teachers, read on to explore how these initiatives are not only benefiting the students themselves but also contributing to the overall development and wellbeing of school children in the community.
1 - Developing PE and school sport networks with educational partners
Hartpury University has established an exciting five-year resource partnership with Five Acres High School, now in its second academic year. This partnership allows BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sport students to gain valuable experience by working within a live PE department and delivering the national curriculum to secondary school students. Additionally, Hartpury University students participate in running, officiating, and coaching at festivals attended by local schools.
Simon Phelps, Headteacher at Five Acres High School, said: “We are delighted to have strengthened our partnership with Hartpury University and College. We are excited to be working with new and ambitious teachers and appreciate the opportunity to be able to contribute to the future success of teaching within PE and school sport. Having able and determined students from Hartpury University also benefits our students, giving them role models and providing Five Acres High School students with the confidence to consider Hartpury for their post-16 courses - the partnership is truly reciprocal.”
Anthony Fourie, a second year BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport student reflected on his time at Five Acres High School: “I gained invaluable experience when I did placement at Five Acres as I got to experience a full day of teaching. This gave me the opportunity to see how the teachers taught a variety of sports in lessons and the various ways that they adapted their lessons, depending on the competence of the pupil's physical literacy or behaviour”.
2 - Empowering education with inclusive PE lessons for SEN pupils
Hartpury University students have collaborated with Altus School to coach over 100 primary school pupils with special educational needs. This initiative showcases the power of inclusive education and demonstrates the potential for aspiring coaches and teachers to make a lasting impact on the lives of young learners. Through engaging PE lessons, Hartpury University students have created positive and transformative experiences for these pupils. This partnership aligns with the School Sport and Activity Action Plan, aiming to increase and improve opportunities for young people with disabilities and learning needs. Managed via Hartpury University’s Sports Business Hub, the partnership has enabled sport students to make a difference to the lives of young learners and create a significant positive change within their local community.
Gemma Sharples, Programme Manager for the BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport at Hartpury University said: “I’m so proud to be part of this initiative which showcases the power of inclusive education and demonstrates the potential for our aspiring coaches and teachers of the future to make a lasting impact on the lives of young learners.”
3 - Promoting equal access to school sport for boys and girls
Hartpury University students actively engage in projects that promote the importance of school sport for boys and girls. A long-standing partnership between the Hartpury BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport programme and Hartpury C of E School has provided students with the opportunity to support the planning and delivery of physical education. Supporting the recognition that PE and sport is an integral part to what makes an excellent school, Hartpury works with the school to support dedicated time for pupils to experience the benefits of regular physical exercise, as well as helping to promote equal access to sport for boys and girls.
Gemma added: “Building confidence, noticing the needs of others, and effective planning are essential skills students develop through this initiative. By understanding the young learners and creating well-structured lesson plans, our students ensure successful and meaningful learning experiences for all. All the activities and sports are carefully chosen, taking into consideration the pupils’ abilities, interests, and challenges. Beyond physical activity, the programme focuses on fostering social and emotional development, effective communication, and cognitive understanding of the skills applied during the sessions.”
4 - Upskilling future PE teachers
Hartpury University focuses on upskilling its students, the teachers of the future, in various aspects of school sport and coaching. For example, within the BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport degree, students will learn how to deliver swimming in the curriculum. This aligns with the government’s effort to ensure all students leave primary school with vital swimming and water safety skills. Additionally, Hartpury University students gain practical insight into teaching theoretical concepts in a classroom, particularly in the context of examination PE.
These authentic experiences provided by Hartpury University enhance the students’ employability and prepare them for their future careers as teachers.
The BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport programme works with a range of schools, community clubs and physical activity providers to enrich the experiences that the students have across all three years of their degree. From the first year, students work with industry organisations and professionals to upskill themselves as well as engaging with placement opportunities to mould their own passions and interests, ensuring the enhance their employability before they graduate. This is reflected in the latest employability figures from the Graduate Outcomes 2024 survey (reflecting graduates from 2022). 98% of sports undergraduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity.
There’s still time to study PE and School Sport at Hartpury University in September 2024
Passionate about PE and school sport? There’s still time to study the BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport this September, once Clearing opens on 5 July.
Still undecided? Register for one of our campus tours this summer, exclusively for those looking to study with us in September 2024. Our dates are below, but remember booking is essential!
Wednesday 3 July
Wednesday 17 July
Wednesday 31 July
Wednesday 7 August
Friday 16 August
Saturday 17 August
Friday 23 August
Wednesday 28 August
