The real PE podcast

• real PE podcast Episode 7: EMPOWERING TEACHERS: The real PE Difference

  Join host Toni Smyth as she welcomes back Ronnie Heath (CEO) and John Parsons (Director of Innovation) from real PE to discuss how their approach to physical education has evolved over the past decade. In this insightful conversation, they explore how the core philosophy of child-centred, inclusive PE and outstanding learning and teaching, remains unchanged while their delivery methods have embraced technology to provide more personalised support for teachers. Discover how real PE's professional learning approach is still changing practice and empowering educators to adapt their delivery and resources to meet the specific needs of every pupil.

  --------  

  33:17
• real PE podcast episode 6: Motor competence crisis

  Motor competence crisis: How modern life is affecting children's development Episode Description: Join us as we speak with Johann Issartel, CEO of MoveAhead, who reveals alarming findings about children's motor development in the modern world. Discover how 90% of children are now falling behind in basic movement skills, the impact of increased screen time and innovative solutions combining technology with physical activity to address this growing challenge. Johann shares insights from his research and practical approaches to help educators and parents support children's motor development in today's digital age. Podcast host: John Parsons, Director of Innovation, real PE Special guest Johann Issartel, CEO and Co-founder, MoveAhead   About the guest speaker and host Johann Issartel, CEO and Co-founder, MoveAhead MoveAhead is a company revolutionising how youth athletes develop and measure their motor skills. Using cutting-edge computer vision technology, MoveAhead enables objective movement assessment, enhances motor learning, and engages players through interactive video games and mobile apps; bridging the gap between digital play and real-world athletic development. John Parsons, Director of Innovation, real PE Following four years at Chelsea Football Club, John went on to do Joint Honours degree in History and Politics at Nottingham University. This was followed by a scholarship in the United States where he combined academia and sport by playing and coaching University football whilst gaining a M.Sc. in Primary Education. Following seven years in teaching and coaching, John went on to become Sports Coach UK’s London Regional Manager, their National Lead for Multi-skills and Fundamental Movement Skills and a FA Coach Educator. At Create, he has led nationally on developing products and solutions, including FUNS for everyone, Raising the Bar and the acclaimed real PE programme and has now taken on the role of Director of Innovation. As an outstanding Tutor and facilitator, John has contributed to the development of thousands of teachers and coaches.

  --------  

  40:23
• real nonsense episode 7: Breaking the cycle: Exercise as a punishment unwrapped

  In this thought-provoking episode our hosts tackle the controversial topic of using exercise as punishment in physical education. They explore why this practice persists despite creating negative associations with physical activity, share personal experiences from the field, and offer practical alternatives for PE teachers and coaches.  Learn how to create positive relationships with exercise, manage classroom behaviour effectively, and break the cycle of practices that damage students' lifelong relationship with physical activity.  Whether you're a PE teacher, coach, education professional or concerned parent, this episode provides valuable insights to transform physical education into a joyful learning experience for all students.

  --------  

  20:47
• real nonsense episode 6: Transforming praise: Why performance feedback on it's own doesn't work

  In this thought-provoking episode, Toni, Ronnie, and John tackle the common practice of praising performance in Physical Education. They challenge educators to move beyond generic praise and focus instead on recognizing effort, growth, resilience, and the journey to improvement. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, the hosts demonstrate how purposeful praise can transform classroom culture, student behaviour, and create more inclusive learning environments. Discover how to use praise as a powerful tool that nourishes long-term development.

  --------  

  18:53
• real nonsense episode 5: Rethinking sport: Activity led curriculums and their impact on learning

  Join hosts Toni Smith, Ronnie Heath, and John Parsons as they tackle a common but questionable practice in physical education: Sport-first curriculums. The team discusses why PE programs often prioritise specific sports over comprehensive skill development, the unintended consequences for pupils, and practical solutions for creating child-centred learning experiences. Whether you're a PE teacher, coach, or education professional, this episode offers valuable insights on building curricula that develop fundamental movement skills and positive learning behaviour’s while still incorporating sport in a meaningful way. Discover how making sport the servant, not the master, of your physical education program is a much improved approach.

  --------  

  19:07

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About The real PE podcast