Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency

The headteacher at Fair Furlong Primary describes how the school’s PE coordinator has grown in confidence through the PESS project.

Louisa came to the school as an NQT in April 1999 when the school was going through a difficult time. She proved herself to be an enthusiastic and committed teacher who quickly established herself as a highly competent classroom practitioner. She had a personal interest in and enthusiasm for PE and took on the role of subject leader. PE at the time had a low priority in the school. Schemes of work were very basic. Standards of attainment in PE were low, except for gymnastics, where lessons were delivered by a specialist.

In November 2003, the school was awarded ActiveMark Gold. This was a result of Louisa’s enthusiasm, hard work and leadership skills. PE and school sport are now a major strength of the school, which is recognised locally and nationally.

While Louisa has always been a very good practitioner, she lacked confidence in her own ability and did not feel she was able to influence the practice of more experienced colleagues. She used to be very anxious about being observed. Over the past three years, during our involvement with the PESS project, Louisa has come to recognise her own ability and learnt how to share her enthusiasm and expertise to inspire and support colleagues. After working alongside a QCA consultant, she was able to deliver a lesson watched by 20 visiting adults. During an Ofsted inspection, she interrupted a lesson to call in an inspector to watch the end of a lesson where pupils performed a gymnastic sequence. She now responds positively to requests from local schools for teachers to come and observe lessons.

The PESS project has allowed Louisa to develop confidence and learn from others, reflect on her own practice and lead others. It has been a significant, high quality piece of professional development. It has enabled Louisa to build on her enthusiasm for teaching and PE and her natural affinity with pupils to become an outstanding teacher and subject leader.