Wrexham pupils benefiting from new way of teaching PE

An innovative framework that aims to transform the way PE is taught in primary schools has been backed by Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd.

Barkers Lane Community Primary School recently hosted a special ‘real PE’ showcase event for Lesley Griffiths MS to demonstrate how their child-centred approach is having a positive impact on children’s health, wellbeing and development.

Ms Griffiths observed the Year 1 pupils’ PE lesson, delivered by class teacher Mr Hayes, in partnership with real PE’s North & North Wales Area Manager, Vikki Roberts and Active Wrexham.

real PE supports schools to transform physical education experiences for every child, teacher and family. Innovative training, resources and membership support schools who sign up. The holistic approach is individually focused and aims to ensure every child has a positive relationship with physical activity for life.

There are over 2,000 real PE member schools across the UK, including 37 schools from the Wrexham area, as well as more in Denbighshire and Flintshire.

Barkers Lane Community Primary School is one such school that has transformed how they teach PE to include, challenge and support every child. They’ve embedded real PE within their school, which supports the 4 purposes and provides a solution for the Health and Well-being Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) for the Curriculum for Wales.

Their journey commenced with staff training to develop teachers’ skills and confidence to deliver an outstanding PE curriculum. Barkers Lane PE lessons make every child feel valued, included and challenged.

They support children to become physically literate by developing their Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) – agility, balance and coordination. PE is used as a fantastic vehicle not only to improve health and fitness but also to develop a range of personal, social, physical, cognitive and creative abilities that transfer outside the sporting environment.

After her visit, Lesley Griffiths MS said: “I’m grateful to Vikki, Active Wrexham and Barkers Lane CP School for hosting a special real PE showcase event.

“The energetic and engaging lesson centred on a series of positive interactions that, ultimately, made PE fun. There was a clear focus on promoting valuable skills such as concentration, resilience and perseverance, but delivered in an entertaining way that the children clearly enjoyed.

“It is not about who’s the fastest or strongest. It’s about having fun and trying your best and real PE ensures every child develops at their own pace in their own way.”

Barkers Lane CP School’s Year 1 Teacher, Mr Gavin Hayes added: “real PE has made such a difference to our school. The programme is creative, inclusive and engaging and the positive impact it has on the children is clear to see.”