Outcomes (Fortrose and Nairn)
Fortrose and Nairn Academy schools grouping
The key outcomes and benefits of the secondary-based, primary-focused model.
More time for PE
Most of the schools throughout the Fortrose Academy and Nairn Academy cluster groups showed a significant increase in the time spent on PE delivered by both the specialist and the class teacher.
For further information, a table detailing the actual time devoted to PE in the year of the baseline SEED survey (2004/05) in comparison to the pilot project year (2005/06) is available (see Word file).
Improved quality of PE provision
The pilot was very successful. Every child now gets PE every week from nursery to P7. This includes one session from the specialist with a follow-up lesson by the class teacher. This has resulted in greater enjoyment and more opportunities for pupils.
Some pupils who had been reluctant to participate in the past now looked forward to the PE lesson.
Collaborative teaching
Working relationships developed with primary classroom teachers through team teaching, sharing ideas and showcasing good practice. This led to the class teachers' improving confidence and competence to teach PE.
Systems were established to set up equipment for gymnastics sessions, with apparatus to be left up for class teachers to take follow-up sessions. Class teachers' abilities to follow up on lessons were improved, even in activities such as gymnastics that had previously been perceived as difficult and dangerous.
Work with class teachers involved children designing their own games and aerobic sessions. The P1/2 teacher taught her own games and began to make a DVD resource for class teachers.
PE is now valued alongside subjects such as maths and English in some of the primary schools as it has become a common activity led by the class teacher.
The development of a good primary-secondary link
In general, liaison between primary and secondary schools was much better. Primary schools used secondary PE amenities in preparation for county sports competitions and festivals. A new basketball club was created and planned courses from primary to secondary are to be established.
Club golf programmes
The teachers taught golf lessons to pupils and then established links with local golf clubs. In-service training was given to teaching staff on golf coaching which led to additional curricular sessions with their pupils.
Additional benefits for primary PE specialist
The primary PE specialist joined in with PE staff at the secondary school and attended departmental meetings during in-service days. Support and advice for the specialist PE teacher, provided by the secondary PE department, meant that the specialist was not working in isolation.
Additional benefits for secondary PE staff
PE staff who visited the primary schools were more aware of pupils' previous learning, resulting in a clearer understanding of the pupils' abilities as they entered the secondary school. New PE activities were developed such as the mini Highland Games with new S1 intakes.
Word file: Time dedicated to PE data table (Fortrose and Nairn)