The most important quality that all trainee teachers on our course possess is a passion for Physical Education and sharing their passion with young people. Many graduates who consider teaching PE hold a 2:2 degree or higher in a sport / fitness related subject, such as Sports Science or Coaching.

It is likely that you can show evidence of your enthusiasm for sport through performing yourself to a reasonably high level in several sports. You might also have experience of coaching young people.

Experience working with young people is always particularly beneficial, particularly experience in a UK comprehensive school observing and participating in a range of lessons, including your own subject. Being able to reflect upon recent classroom observations often strengthens interview discussions. If you have been out of the classroom for a few years, having one or two days’ of school observation prior to interviews might help boost your confidence.

The course examines the concepts of competence, performance, creativity and healthy active lifestyles, as well as the skills of Physical Education, through the six study areas of:

• athletic activities
• dance
• games
• gymnastic activities
• outdoor and adventure activities
• swimming

The course will also explore the following issues from a subject-specific perspective:

• A wide range of practical activities
• Lesson planning and sequences of lessons
• Meeting the needs of all pupils in the classroom
• Teaching and learning strategies and resources
• Techniques to support monitoring, assessing, recording and reporting pupil progress
• Promoting good behaviour and a positive climate for learning