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"PE teachers are always using formative assessment".

It seems to me that most edu-blogs written in 2019 have referenced at least 1 of 2 important names, Hattie and/or William. With good reason, visible learning and formative assessment are proven to make a positive impact on student learning when used effectively. Teachers are caring but time-poor, so we want to find the things that we can do for the best value for energy! In the PE teaching world, an important concept to shape our future direction is physical literacy with a spotlight provided by Sport Australia . It is important for NSW PDHPE teachers to understand this because the model, along with the Physical Literacy Continuum sits nicely with the new PDHPE syllabus (2019-2020). A few years ago I was asked to provide evidence of my faculty’s use of formative assessment which I struggled to do. In response the interviewer/assessor explained that PE teachers are always formatively assessing. For example, if a teacher begins a softball unit they will not begin by asking pairs o...
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Shifting Toward Physical Literacy teaching.

Below is advice I provided colleagues, which could be useful to other faculties. It assumes an understanding of the Physical Literacy Continuum, however this understanding can be developed by following the link to start. https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/key-learning-areas/pdhpe/physical-literacy The NSW PDHPE Curriculum website above is a good reference point for the Physical Literacy Continuum. The PLC is a tool that was developed from the old syllabus, and then the  new syllabus was created alongside the PLC. To me, this makes sense when you look at our stage 5 units (How Can I Achieve That?" and "Take On A Role") compared to the traditional “Basketball” or “Athletics” units. “Shifting Thinking in PE” is about moving the focus onto the outcomes such as “appraises and justifies choices of actions when solving complex movement challenges” rather than focusing on a specific sport. “It’s about changing student dialogue from “wha...

I'm pulling my socks up, why?

At the end of 2018 I made the decision to "pull my socks up". I wanted to refocus on why I teach and this strategy could help me focus each day. Rather than being at a crossroads, I feel I was looking back over my recent metaphorical road trip thinking I should have skipped the highway and taken the back-roads. I had had the opportunity for 12 months to relieve as head teacher of my faculty. To look the part I went away from wearing the usual PE clothes, I traded the polo shirt and shorts for a button up shirt and pants. This way the kids would know I was serious in this executive role, right? I also had to act the part, giving the consequences for students not behaving positively for my colleagues. I gained great experience and can confidently say I did a great job. The turning point, however, came after the PDHPE Teachers' Association Conference at ANZ Stadium. I was overwhelmed by inspiration to improve my teaching practice when I returned to school. However, this ...

After 10 years of teaching

First of all, I should say that I am beginning my 10th year of teaching. So the title of this blog is not truely accurate. The reason I chose this title? I have often felt the odds were stacked against me. P. Singhal (2017) wrote an article in the Sydney Morning Herald called  Why up to half of all Australian teachers are quitting within five years .  I remember hearing something similar to this in 2009. In a country town of NSW, where my first temporary appointment as a PDHPE teacher was, I couldn't see the long-term. My mind was fixed on thoughts such as "do I have to face that again?" Possibly due to my competitive nature, I have reached a stage of my career where I enjoy teaching, and I have beat the odds. I enjoy the challenges set for me and by me each day. However, I look back at my first 5 years and can see how I could have walked away. Reflection I am very reflective today. I anxiously look forward to my tenth year of teaching. I coincidently will be relieving...