Physical Education

Physical education teaching shapes young people's relationship with movement, sport, and physical activity at a critical period of their development. Good PE teachers understand the science of physical development, the pedagogy of physical learning, and the motivational dynamics of different students, and they know how to create environments in which every young person, not just the naturally athletic, can experience the benefits of physical activity and develop a lifelong relationship with it.

At St Mark and St John this three-year degree combines a full honours degree in physical education with Qualified Teacher Status, meaning that graduates are ready to begin teaching at secondary level immediately on completion of the course. You will study the underpinning disciplines of physical education, including exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, and the curriculum frameworks that govern PE in secondary schools. Pedagogy is central throughout, and substantial periods of school-based training give you the practical teaching experience, mentoring, and professional development that qualified teacher status requires.

The programme reflects current educational priorities, including the inclusion of all students, physical literacy, and the relationship between PE and health and wellbeing.

Graduates are qualified to teach physical education in secondary schools immediately on graduation, which is a significant advantage in a profession where the route to the classroom typically takes longer. Many go on to develop roles as heads of PE departments, sport coordinators, or specialists in particular sports or areas such as health and wellbeing. Some graduates move into coaching, sports development, sports science support roles, or further academic study in education, sport science, or pedagogy.