Mr Davey Head of PE and Boys' Games
What interests you in your subject?
All of it! With sport you have an opportunity to feel a sense of achievement, be a part of a team, experience camaraderie, have fun, test yourself and push yourself to new levels on almost every occasion; this is what interests me the most. I’m really interested in finding out new ways of playing, practising and coaching. It’s a neverending cycle, with the constant aim of improvement.
What were you like at PE at school?
I was obsessed by sport at school, I couldn’t get enough. I took PE at GCSE and A Level, then chose a degree that included both sports theory and business. Luckily, at school, I had some fantastic PE teachers and we played many different sports in lessons; minor sports such as volleyball and table tennis, as well as team games including Cricket, Rugby, Hockey and Football.
Why is it important for pupils to understand your subject?
It’s important because you can gain so much from playing and competing in different sports. Research suggests that not only can sport help with a pupil’s health and wellbeing, it also improves their ability to concentrate, builds their confidence, develops teamwork and respect and gives them a chance to feel success and failure (both of which are an important part of growing up). Ultimately, though through understanding the different sports and working together in teams they can gain so much sense of pride, enjoyment and fun!
How can parents support children’s learning?
Parents can support their child in many ways. We are undoubtedly in a society where gadgets, games consoles and technology are often the first choice when it comes to free time. However, we are also lucky that there are so many opportunities within our local communities and even at home where parents can involve themselves in their child being active. I would encourage parents to set aside times across the week where they take their child out for a run, bike ride, to play at the park or simply go outdoors and have some fun being active.
For those more serious about their sport (and I know many of our pupils are); they can join local teams, clubs or activities. Here they can be coached, compete or just have fun. It always thrills me to hear in celebration assembly, the vast array of sports and activities that our pupils enjoy outside of school. These aren’t always your “typical” sports, we have a pupil competing and learning how to Kart, another who does track cycling and many more I could name. Some of these activities allow parents and children to be active together, which is great too!