A Defining Moment for Physical Education
The PE Insights Podcast has recently celebrated its second anniversary, and to mark the milestone, host Nathan reconnected with Professor Liz Durden-Myers. Liz is a highly respected academic and advocate for physical education, and her message for teachers could not be more timely.
With curriculum reform on the horizon, the new Ofsted inspection criteria, and a shifting policy landscape, the sector is entering a period of both uncertainty and opportunity. For Liz, these changes should be viewed not as extra workload, but as a chance to redefine the value of physical education in schools.
Policy Shifts: An Opportunity to Reimagine PE
The Department for Education has launched a consultation to shape the future national curriculum for physical education. Liz emphasised that while change can often feel overwhelming, it also creates an opening to reposition PE as more than just a timetable slot or a carousel of sports.
Instead, the sector should take this opportunity to ensure PE offers meaningful, positive experiences that every young person can enjoy. The ambition is to embed physical activity as a lifelong pursuit, supported by inclusive and engaging curricula. As Liz put it, this is about helping students find “the love and joy of movement” and seeing PE as positive experiences for everyone.
Why Physical Literacy Matters
One of the strongest themes in Liz’s work is her advocacy for physical literacy. She explained that physical education goes beyond just developing sporting skills. It should develop the whole child across four dimensions: moving, feeling, thinking, and connecting with movement and physical activity.
By embedding physical literacy, PE can nurture motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding, resilience, and a positive mindset towards physical activity. These qualities are essential not only for participation in sport and physical activity but also for equipping young people with life skills that support wellbeing, social development, connection and help all individuals thrive.
Liz has also recently edited the Routledge Handbook of Physical Literacy, a significant academic contribution that is currently in the process of being published. She walks the listeners through the sections and chapters highlighting to the listeners what to expect.
Ofsted, Wellbeing and the New Enrichment Framework
The updated Ofsted inspection framework places greater emphasis on wellbeing, inclusivity, and adaptive and high quality teaching. Liz explained that this is a welcome development for PE teachers, as physical education is uniquely positioned to help support whole school progress in these areas.
Schools with a strong PE, school sport and physical activity offer often see benefits across behaviour, attendance, inclusion, and personal development. In addition, the Department for Education has also proposed a new enrichment framework. This framework aims to elevate the importance of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities, including breakfast and after-school provision.
For PE teachers, this means capturing and analysing data on participation will become increasingly important. Understanding who is engaging in extracurricular activities, and more importantly, who is not, will be crucial for designing inclusive and targeted interventions. Liz encouraged schools not to see this as a burden but as a way to celebrate the impact PE has on cultural capital, social mobility, and student wellbeing.
Supporting Teachers Through Resources and Training
One of the most practical developments in the sector has been the creation of Oak National Academy’s PE resources, a project Liz has been heavily involved in. These resources provide structured lesson plans, teaching videos, and assessment tools that can help both trainee and experienced teachers.
For new teachers, particularly those starting their PGCE or early career training, these resources act as a foundation for subject knowledge and classroom practice. For more experienced staff, they provide a springboard to adapt lessons to local contexts and the specific needs of pupils.
Transformative, Not Just Active
Perhaps the most important message Liz shared is that physical education must be transformative rather than simply just encouraging pupils to be busy, happy, good. She warned against reducing PE to just opportunities for mechanistic movement, reminding teachers that children can be active without learning, and perhaps learning can also take place without it being meaningful.
A truly transformative curriculum meets children where they are, acknowledges their individual needs, and takes them on a journey, towards growth and achievement. This means not simply teaching a carousel of sports, but responding to pupils needs through a well crafted and intentional physical education curriculum.
The goal is for every learner to leave a PE lesson with increased knowledge, improved skills, stronger connections, or greater confidence. This is what makes PE an educative and life-changing subject.
Preparing for the Road Ahead
Liz used the analogy of a train station to describe the current state of PE policy. The trains are being prepared, policy changes are on their way and teachers must be ready to board when they arrive.
To prepare, Liz suggested that every PE department should “pack their C.A.S.E” with four essentials. First, a Curriculum designed through the lens of physical literacy. Second, effective Assessment strategies that capture both curricular and extracurricular impact. Third, high-quality pedagogy and teaching Strategies that ensures meaningful, transformative and inclusive experiences. And finally, a school-wide culture and Environment that celebrates the value of PE every day. Liz reiterates that one final essential item is an understanding of physical literacy as it is a central concept informing future PE policy.
Looking Forward with Optimism
The conversation with Professor Liz Durden-Myers highlighted a simple truth: this is one of the most exciting and important times for physical education. With new curriculum frameworks, enriched extracurricular provision, and a sharper focus on wellbeing and inclusion, PE has the chance to cement its place at the heart of school life.
For Liz, the mission remains clear. Every young person deserves to experience physical education that is inclusive, engaging, and empowering. As she reminded listeners, “We don’t teach sports we teach children” And by teaching children through positive and transformative physical education experiences, PE can create not only healthier and more active young people, but more confident, connected, and resilient learners for life.
Listen Now!
To listen to the full episode please follow these links to Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Responses