Pupil voice in physical education is a powerful tool for understanding our pupils’ perspectives, preferences, and needs in the learning process. Through avenues like surveys, focus groups, and discussions, we are able to gather valuable insights directly from pupils about their experiences with various activities, challenges they may face, and their interests in physical education. This feedback informs teachers' decisions on planning, activity selection, and teaching strategies, ensuring that the curriculum is engaging, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of our pupils. By incorporating pupil voice, our physical education curriculum better promotes pupil participation, enjoyment, and overall well-being.
February 2024
In our pupil voice session today, we discussed how our journals serve as invaluable tools to document our experiences, reflections, and insights gained during physical activities and exercises. We discussed how our consistent recording of our progress, challenges, and achievements, reinforce our understanding of procedural knowledge, such as correct techniques and strategies in various sports and physical activities, and also deepen our grasp of declarative knowledge, including rules, terminology, and concepts related to physical education.
By actively engaging with our learning through PE journals, our pupils not only solidify their understanding of both procedural and declarative knowledge but also cultivate a sense of ownership and accountability in their physical education journey, ultimately driving their learning forward.
March 2023
Today in our pupil voice session, we discussed how our PE journals support our learning. We discussed what helps us to learn and why it is important to have a 'Personal Best'.
We took part in an extra curricular club quiz and shared our experiences in school, which have led us to join local sporting teams.
We asked our pupils what they like about their PE journals...
"My journal helps me to remember routines and I can add tips to help me achieve my very best.' Jasmine - Year 5
" I write a personal best at the begining of my lesson and it helps me to work towards my goal. I get better when I have a goal to work towards." Robin - Year 3
"I draw diagrams and make notes in my lesson and it helps me to plan my tactics with my team. Chloe - Year 5
January 2023
We celebrated all things PE today in our pupil voice session. We discussed how we learn rules and tactics of the sports we play (declarative knowledge) and how we develop and use the correct skills in competitive situations (procedural).
We shared our PE journals and discussed how they support our learning.
October 2022
We asked our pupils what they thought of PE...
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'I love PE because we get to take part in fun activities like fencing and yoga. We learn new skills whilst having fun with our friends and we do really well when we compete against other schools. Exercise takes my mind off work and helps me to focus on myself and my friends.'' - Year 4 student
"PE is my favorite lesson because I learn new things and have lots of fun with my friends. My teacher makes PE fun. I like all of the sports that we do in school. I'm really good at everything because I practise at playtimes too.' - Year 2 Student
"I was a bit worried about learning to play tennis because I couldn't hit the ball when I played at home. My teacher and friends helped me and now I can hit it over the net first time! My friends say I'm good at it. I love tennis now and I've even joined a club." - Year 3 student
February 2022
Our sports crew asked our pupils the following questions...
Why is PE important?
"PE is really important because we learn to stay healthy and fit which is important for our future" - Year 4 student
"It is good for your mental health and helps to clear your mind." - Year 3 Student
"We learn to work collaboratively and make friends with different children." - Year 6 student
What helps you learn in PE?
"My teacher puts the lesson on the interactive board and shows us diagrams and videos which really help." - Year 5 student
"My PE journal helps me to remember my routine and I can make notes of the key words to help in the lesson." - Year 4 student
"My teacher gives really good demonstrations and she reminds us of our learning from the lesson before." - Year 2 student
What are you learning at the moment?
All children were able to confidently discuss their current topics in detail using key vocabulary in context. They were each able to talk about prior learning and how that supports their current learning. Year 4 students spoke about their personal challenges and knew the aspects that they needed to focus on to improve.
