Inspiring the Next Generation of PE Teachers
This PE Insights episode features a conversation between host, Nathan Walker, and guest, Vinnie Halsall, a member of the FA’s PE team who travels across the UK delivering high-quality CPD in physical education. During Vinnie’s visit to Plymouth’s Marjon University, he worked with PGCE PE trainees, sharing invaluable insights on modern PE teaching.
A Journey into Physical Education
With over 30 years in PE, Vinnie started as a football coach before transitioning into teaching. His career saw him spend 26 years at a single school, taking on various roles, including Head of Department and School Sport Coordinator. His work with primary and secondary education eventually led him to the FA’s team, where he now delivers CPD across the country.
Key Messages for PE Trainees
Vinnie emphasises using football as a vehicle for holistic development rather than just skill acquisition. His workshops focus on learning through games, adaptive teaching, and high-quality assessment for learning. He advocates “no laps, no lines, no lectures”, ensuring lessons are active, engaging, and meaningful.
The Power of Three
Vinnie highlights the importance of structured transitions and learning through exploration. Using three-person groups, he maintains activity flow while promoting problem-solving. His approach fosters social and psychological growth, reinforcing that effective PE goes beyond just physical skills.
Principles of Good Game Design
Effective practice design should include clear goals. In football, for example, this could involve scoring in set locations, such as pug goals or a designated scoring line. The game “Two Ways to Win” is used as an example, where players can score by hitting either of two pop-up goals or reaching a scoring line.
For a game or practice to be effective, it must incorporate opposition to ensure realism. Additionally, it should provide players with orientation—clarity on positioning and direction—to enhance game understanding and skill application. These principles apply broadly to both coaching and teaching, reinforcing the importance of structured and purposeful activity design.
Quick-Fire Questions: Non-Negotiables in PE
The discussion shifts to essential principles for positive experiences in PE. The key non-negotiables include:
- No laps – Running laps isn’t necessary for warming up and doesn’t reflect real gameplay.
- No lines – Avoiding line drills prevents students from standing idle and helps maintain engagement.
- No lectures – Teachers should keep instructions concise, allowing more time for active participation.
Maximising Student Engagement
The importance of effective questioning is highlighted, with a focus on allowing students to discuss and problem-solve in small groups rather than relying on teacher-led questioning. The “butterfly” approach, where teachers move between groups to listen and guide, is promoted as a way to encourage richer discussions.
Vinnie emphasises the importance of play and exploration in PE, advocating for a learning environment where students can experiment, make mistakes, and develop naturally through movement.
Personal Philosophy: Healthy, Active Lifestyles and Lifelong Learning
Vinnie shares a personal mantra inspired by his surname, Halsall – Healthy, Active Lifestyles and Lifelong Learning. This philosophy underpins his approach to PE and professional development.
Rethinking PE Assessment
A shift away from summative assessments is suggested, advocating for ongoing formative assessment based on holistic models like the FA Four Corner Model, which considers social, psychological, physical, and technical aspects.
Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with gratitude and reflections on the value of collaboration in PE, reinforcing key messages around engagement, meaningful assessment, and active learning.
About the Guest
This episode is a conversation with Vinny Halsall, from The FA’s PE Team.
Listen and Connect
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