Sports Colleges National Conference 

Movement Dynamics was fortunate enough to have the opportunity of a 60min presentation at the recent Sports Colleges National Conference in Telford. Sixteen delegates sat in on this ‘break-out’ session and we were able to cover the application of Physical Competence development in the National PE Curriculum. The response was both satisfying and enlightening with several delegates immediately committing to a shift towards this fundamental issue. It was interesting to note that many delegates recognised that nearly all of their curriculum aims and objectives would be supported by a commitment to the building blocks of skill acquisition. On the ‘flip-side’ they recognised that it would take a cultural change for this to be effective across the entire education strategy for Physical Education. What a challenge!

There is nothing better than to face up to something that is inherently difficult, after all you can never find out what is possible until you have tried the impossible. The nucleus of teachers who have seen the potential positive outcomes from establishing a process that places ‘movement efficiency’ at the centre of the teaching focus will be heartened by the ideas now on the table. Mark Fox (Director of Specialism at Marriott’s School, Stevenage) and Phil Elcock (Head Teacher of Stevenage Education Support Centre) intend to take the ‘bull by the horns’ and act as a central catalyst to a process of support to all Sports Colleges nationwide. The intention is to launch the inaugural one-day conference on Physical Competence Inclusion in the National Curriculum later this year. With Marriott’s School well ahead in delivery experience it is likely that all attendees will be encouraged by the ease in which this shift to the core issues can be accomplished. Further details will be announced on the web-site.