Ryan Ellis here, the founder and host of the PE Umbrella, a Primary Physical Education podcast and short blog that discusses all things PE. Interviewing inspiring practitioners from the primary education sector, I will be sharing the latest in excellent practice and discussing what makes PE and Sport such an important tool to engage and enhance the learning of children (across the curriculum) so they are ready to leave school with a solid platform to lead a healthy lifestyle and enjoy lifelong physical activity! I will share insights into what makes the top practitioners of today tick, asking about their favourite PE resources, what activities are a must have in the locker for any teacher and success stories about WHAT REALLY WORKS! All in all, the PE Umbrella is about inspiring YOU in YOUR own teaching practice and providing you with the tools, ideas and resources to take ACTION! So come and join me under the PE Umbrella!
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 those career-defining conversations. I also acknowledge that there are newer listeners of the show who may never have heard some of the very best conversations from the shows roots. Thus, The PE Umbrella Archives will bring back the very best episodes from the early years of the podcast (2015-2018) and re-master them for your listening pleasure. The messages and knowledge bombs are timeless, so what are you waiting for? Come and join me in The PE Umbrella Archives, episode 1, with the sensational Professor Damian Hughes!
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 your school too. Lesson tips Activities Class management Curriculum It's all here, so what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under The PE Umbrella!
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 for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella.
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 PE 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 episode, so what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under The PE Umbrella.
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 you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella.
With me under the umbrella this week is another one of the most high-profile guests 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 proud of both Oliver and Penelope and the honest and articulate answers they have shared over the past few weeks.
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 activities to further her physical, social and emotional development because I value it so highly and I am under no illusions that these can, and probably do bias some of her views. However, this short episode was recorded in one take and Penelope had no prior warning of the questions I was going to ask beyond knowing they would be about PE. It was fascinating to hear the thoughts of essentially our 'target audience' as practitioners, and the messages, whether intentional or unintentional, she is picking up. Stay tuned at the end of the recording as I try to unpick and make sense of some of her answers...
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, Cooperative learning as a model through which to deliver a Physical Education unit of learning. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under the umbrella.
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 for? Come on over and join me under the umbrella!
Joining me under the umbrella this week is professor at the University of Kentucky Aaron Beighle for his third appearance on the show. In this episode we talk about aspirations for PE and the curriculum in the UK and America as well as his take on concept-based learning, sports and all the other show favourite questions. This is an episode that you just can't afford to miss. 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 former Primary school teacher, PE lead and now PE consultant for Beyond the Physical, Dan Wilson. I have known Dan for a number of years right back since the beginning of my own teaching career and when it comes to primary PE, he is the real deal. Having seen him at work and teaching children and adults alike, he is an outstanding practitioner and it was wonderful to finally sit down and chat with him about all things Primary PE. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under the umbrella.
On this week's episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by the author of 'Inclusive PE for SEND children', occupational therapist and SEND parent, Faith Newton. During this episode, inclusion is the focus of our discussions as we explore strategies that cater to all learners, whether neurodivergent or neurotypical. Faith shares with us practical tips and pieces of advice that I wish I had known earlier in my career that might make a huge difference in the work that you do. 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 the assistant deputy CEO of the Association for Physical Education (AfPE) Dr Vanessa King. Join us for a conversation on ALL things Primary PE, from actionable tips to deeper thinking scenarios, it's all here. 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 PE lecturer at Plymouth Marjon University and host of The PE Insights Podcast, Nathan Walker. In this episode we go deep into ALL things primary PE as Nathan shares all with us. From theory, practice and his own practical PE insights, it's all here. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under the PE umbrella!
On The PE Umbrella podcast this week, I am joined by qualified primary school teacher, Sam Gregory. Sam brings a unique and fresh perspective to the primary PE landscape having only recently qualified as a teacher. He has a deep passion for physical education and is pursuing some interesting work in this space for his PhD studies at Leeds Beckett University. In this episode, we explore Sam's journey into teaching and investigate some of the actionable tips and advice that he has learned along the way. So what are you waiting for? Grab that notepad and join us under The PE Umbrella.
This week I am joined under the umbrella by Senior Lecturer at Birmingham Newman University and author of the SHARP principles Dr Emma Powell. During this episode we discuss, check and challenge all things primary PE, sharing actionable advice for you to think about, take away and implement in your own setting. So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under The PE Umbrella!
Joining me under the umbrella this week is head of PE, author of 'Is PE in crisis?' and co-author of the Primary Concept Curriculum, Lee Sullivan. In this episode we unpick whether PE is in crisis and delve into a myriad of primary PE-related topics. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under the umbrella.
With me under the umbrella this week is educator, researcher and practitioner, specialising in physical development and movement in the Early Years, Dr Lala Manners. Come and join us for a rich conversation on the importance of early movement opportunities and be sure to grab that notepad!
This week I am joined on The PE Umbrella podcast by PE specialist, Ben Shields. Ben has worked in the space for many years now and this has seen him teaching all over the world before now settling down in Australia. He has many tips, tricks and stories to share that will help you in your teaching of primary PE and I can'tt wait for you to listen. So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella!
Joining me under the umbrella this week is senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University and now repeat guest of the show, Sarah Williams. On her first outing, Sarah gave us some of the shows most talked-about moments to date and in this episode, there's plenty more of those. So grab your note pad and pen, and come and join us for a conversation about all things primary PE.
This week on The PE Umbrella Podcast I am joined by Adrian Bethune to talk about all things Primary PE, Physical Activity and Wellbeing. It was a pleasure speaking with Adrian as he opened up about his own struggles and then shared strategies he has successfully used in his own schools to put pupils wellbeing at the heart of what he did. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under the umbrella.
On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by PE teacher of 20 years, Head of student opportunities at International school in Kindom of Saudi Arabia and author of the book Happiness factories – a holistic approach to PE, Phil Mathe. So what are you waiting for? Grab that note pad and come and join us under the PE Umbrella.
On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Leeds Beckett professor of PE, David Morley and professor of athletic development at the school of sport, Kevin Till. In this episode we have an in-depth conversation around physical literacy, the new consensus statement, the launch of the centre for child and adolescent physical literacy at Leeds Beckett and how all of this ties in with the Primary PE landscape. This is an episode well worth a listen. Join in the conversation and be sure to let us know your thoughts on the socials.
Welcome back to The PE Umbrella podcast, your CPD on the go for ALL things Primary PE. This week I am joined by lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, Dr Tom Van Rossum. In this episode we talk about Early movement and Fundamental Movement skills. Are they important? Are children achieving a good level? What does the current landscape look like? All of this and so much more! So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us Under the Umbrella.
Welcome to episode 220 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by primary school teacher and PE lead Mr Peter Harding. On this episode we talk about life as a PE lead and class teacher, diving into his worst ever lesson, key ingredients for successful PE and class management tips. So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 219 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined for a second time by the inspiring Mike Kuczala. In this episode we take a look into what it takes to become a 'peak performing' teacher. We dive into 'living the physical life' breath work, gratitude and much more, so what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 218 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined for a second time on the show by Mark Carter. Mark was first a guest in episode 184 so if you haven't listened to that yet, be sure to delve back into the archives! In this episode, we take a look at Mark's new book 'A year of Primary PE' and start to unpick the principles and teachings behind how it was put together. The discussion was deep and there were plenty of knowledge bombs to take away, from tips, activities and teaching ideas. So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 217 and the return of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by children's book author and leadership and education consultant Dr Beth Brown. In this episode we take a deep dive into character education, life skills and how to best nurture them in our own children and pupils. During this chat, we talk about Beth's book, The adventures of Divot & Swish and how she was inspired to write the stories as a means to instil life skills such as resilience in our children. So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 216 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by lecturer and researcher Rachael Jefferson-Buchanan. On this bumper length episode, we dive into all things Primary PE with a mixture of rabbit holes explored too! From PE misconceptions, the importance of FMS to finding the balance between challenge and exclusion, there is something in here for you! Not to mention the show regular questions such as: - What currently excites you in the PE space - Favourite warm-up/Instant starter? - Worst ever PE lesson taught and what you learned? So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 215 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by the co-founders of School Sport Psychology Helen Davis & Liz Barker In this episode we talk about the power of psychology both from a teachers perspective and also what this brings to our pupils if embedded in their education. Through this discussion, we learn about the 5 modules of school sport psychology, mind, feelings, drive, talk and me. For each module, we break down what they mean for a pupil and how they help foster skills that are transferable throughout everyday life. At a time when wellbeing has never been a higher priority for everybody, this is the perfect listen. So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella.
Welcome to episode 214 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by the headteacher of Water Primary and now a two-time guest of the show Chris Willan. His first appearance on the show back in episode 123 was a huge hit and changed the way that many viewed the PESSPA landscape in their schools. Now, Chris is back to talk us through how he's coped in the Covid pandemic and why PESSPA remains as important as ever at the heart of his school. All of this and so many other side conversations, consider this your FREE Primary PE CPD on the go! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella.
Welcome to episode 213 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by the director of Moving Matters Rob Wilkinson. On Rob's second PE Umbrella appearance we find out how he has evolved in the past 5 years and talk about the current primary PE landscape. Talking points include: - What currently excites you about PE? - What misconceptions about our subject should be banished? - What is your ideal PE lesson recipe? - What is your worst ever PE lesson and what did you learn from it? All of this and so many other side conversations, consider this your FREE Primary PE CPD on the go! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella.
Welcome to episode 212 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by primary PE specialist teacher and PE lead Dan Brewer. It was a treat to sit down and talk with somebody who is on the front line delivering and leading primary PE and gain their perspective on a number of topics. Talking points include: - What currently excites you about PE? - What misconceptions about our subject should be banished? - What is your ideal PE lesson recipe? - What is your worst ever PE lesson and what did you learn from it? Don't forget the many side conversations and topics that we regularly tap into, this is an episode that you're going to love! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 211 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by the director of Dream Big sports and Active Education Co Dale Harris. On this episode, we learn more about Dale, what makes him tick and his desire to help change the Primary PE landscape for the better! Talking points include: - What currently excites you about PE? - What misconceptions about our subject should be banished? - What is your ideal PE lesson recipe? - What is your worst ever PE lesson and what did you learn from it? All of this and so many other side conversations, consider this your FREE Primary PE CPD on the go! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella.
Welcome to episode 210 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by teacher educator Will Swaithes to discuss ALL things PE. On this feature-length episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Will about a whole host of topics that provide amazing insights into PE and life. From books that need to be read to the importance of modelling vulnerability, we then dive into curriculum design through understanding context and implementation. Not only that, but we also field many of the show regular questions to Will to get his take from his many years of experience. These include: - What currently excites you in the PE space - Key ingredients for a Primary PE lesson - Worst ever PE lesson taught and what you learned? This is a cracker! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 209 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by primary PE specialist and now repeat guest Brendan Rouse. In this episode we talk with Brendan about the past 12 months and teaching through Covid, including his thoughts, reflections and ideas of what moving forward may look like. Talking points include: - What excites you right now in the PE space? - Are pupils ready to learn upon returning to school? - What does/should/would a catch-up curriculum look like? - What did you learn over lockdown that you will continue to do? All of this and so much more to help you in your own Primary PE teaching journey! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella.
Welcome to episode 208 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by primary PE leads Sam Woodruff & Jordan Jawandha to chat ALL things Primary PE! T alking points include: - What currently excites you about PE? - What misconceptions about our subject should be banished? - What is your ideal PE lesson recipe? - A PE Resource you couldn't live without? - What is your worst ever PE lesson and what did you learn from it? All of this and so much more to help you in your own Primary PE teaching journey! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella.
Welcome to episode 207 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by deputy headteacher and PESSPA director at Clavering Primary School Neil McAvoy. In this knowledge bomb packed episode we dive into ALL things Clavering and the truly incredible PE and PA offer they have for their pupils. Talking points include: - Breaking down the Clavering vision statement - Aligning the program with the school culture & ethos - The 30:30 physical activity strategy - What is your ideal PE lesson recipe? - Worst ever lesson you've taught? All of this and so much more to help you in transforming the PE offering of the schools that you work at! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella.
Welcome to episode 206 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by primary PE specialist teacher Ben Anderson for one of the most insightful episodes of the show yet! On this bumper episode, we learn about what makes Ben tick as a practitioner and discover the ways in which his school is thriving as a result of his excellent PE leadership and teaching. Talking points include: - What currently excites you about PE? - What misconceptions about our subject should be banished? - What is your ideal PE lesson recipe? - Success story/most inspiring moment as a teacher? - A PE Resource you couldn't live without? - What is your worst ever PE lesson and what did you learn from it? All of this and so much more to help you in your own Primary PE teaching journey! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 205 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by the director and founder of Totally Runable Natalie Jackson. Totally Runable use the power of running to help close the sport gender gap across schools in the UK and have a fascinating story to tell. During this episode, I speak with Natalie about some stark figures when it comes to boys and girls participation in sport and physical activity. We learn more about the sport gender gap and factors that play into this widening or narrowing. This was a truly insightful discussion and I am certain that it will leave you with more questions and strategies that you can take away to try in your own school setting. So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 204 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by PE coordinator Joe Danquah. We talk about ALL things primary PE during this episode and gain insights and advice from Joe's daily teaching. Talking points include: - What currently excites you about PE? - What misconceptions about our subject should be banished? - What is your ideal PE lesson recipe? - A PE Resource you couldn't live without? - What is your worst ever PE lesson and what did you learn from it? You can expect all of this plus lots of other side avenues that our discussions take us down. So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 203 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by Adam Price who works as a PE coordinator in a SEN school. On this episode, we once again dive deep into the world of PE and particularly inclusion as we learn how to best cater for the diverse range of needs that we may have from pupils in our classroom. Talking points include: - What currently excites you about PE? - What misconceptions about our subject should be banished? - What does inclusion mean to you? - What are some of your top tips for including pupils with SEND? - Can you share some specific working examples of how to support SEND pupils? - What is your worst ever PE lesson and what did you learn from it? All of this and so much more, you can't afford to miss it! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 202 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by PE lead Abby Miles. On this episode, we take a wander through topics focused on ALL things primary PE and gain insights and advice from Abby in her short time teaching and leading PE in her school. Talking points include: - What currently excites you about PE? - What misconceptions about our subject should be banished? - What is your ideal PE lesson recipe? - Success story/most inspiring moment as a teacher? - A PE Resource you couldn't live without? - What is your worst ever PE lesson and what did you learn from it? All of this plus many other side conversations are waiting for you! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 201 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by former teacher and founder of Dance to School Eve Murphy. On this episode we once again dive deep into the world of Primary PE, with a particular focus on the area of dance, drawing out some incredible advice on delivering your own unit of work! Talking points include: - What currently excites you about PE? - What misconceptions about PE/Dance should be banished? - How would you plan/structure a unit of dance in line with the National Curriculum? - What would your ideal Dance lesson look like? - What is your worst ever PE/Dance lesson and what did you learn from it? All of this and so much more as we salsa our way through many side conversations to bring you the best advice for delivering Primary dance around! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
Welcome to episode 200 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by the Director of Sport at Alice Smith School in Malaysia and host of the Infinite Leaders Podcast Lewis Keens. In this episode, we find common links between our past before learning about what makes Lewis tick in the world of PE. Talking points include: - What currently excites you about PE? - What misconceptions about our subject should be banished? - What is your ideal PE lesson recipe? - A PE Resource you couldn't live without? - What is your worst ever PE lesson and what did you learn from it? - Something that has made you go 'wow' All of this and a plethora of other tangents were explored in this milestone episode of the podcast! So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us and join in the conversation by tweeting me @thepeumbrella. Note pad ready!
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