Professional Knowledge in Primary Physical Education
Published on 11. November 2025
178 pages
978-1-040-51493-1 (ISBN)
Description
This book is a concise and practical guide to the development of professional knowledge in primary physical education. Covering core concepts and key skills and exploring the everyday reality of working in primary physical education (PE), the book describes the essential professional knowledge needed to become an effective PE teacher at the primary level.
Placing a strong emphasis on inclusive practice and including useful features in every chapter, such as case studies and guides to further reading, the book explains how the 'professional knowledge model' can be applied in primary physical education, acting as a framework for practitioners to explore and improve their own professional practice. Introducing the principles of fundamental movement in the context of child development, the book examines key professional skills, from planning and observation to assessment and advocacy, as well as other areas of professional knowledge that practitioners will need over the course of a career, such as working with others in primary PE and whole school approaches to movement.
This book is essential reading for any teacher, subject leader, trainee, student, coach or instructor working in physical education at the primary or elementary level.
Placing a strong emphasis on inclusive practice and including useful features in every chapter, such as case studies and guides to further reading, the book explains how the 'professional knowledge model' can be applied in primary physical education, acting as a framework for practitioners to explore and improve their own professional practice. Introducing the principles of fundamental movement in the context of child development, the book examines key professional skills, from planning and observation to assessment and advocacy, as well as other areas of professional knowledge that practitioners will need over the course of a career, such as working with others in primary PE and whole school approaches to movement.
This book is essential reading for any teacher, subject leader, trainee, student, coach or instructor working in physical education at the primary or elementary level.
Reviews / Votes
"Professional Knowledge in Primary Physical Education is an important book that is focused on the complex nature of teaching primary physical education. Vicky Randall takes a broad view of these complexities by offering a useful and accessible framework for understanding different ways professional knowledge can be interpreted and enhanced. Teachers at all career stages would benefit from this valuable work."Tim Fletcher, Professor, Brock University, Canada
"This book captures the essence, ethos, and practical dimensions of teaching primary physical education. It is a valuable addition to any core reading list, equally relevant for trainee teachers and experienced practitioners. Key concepts are thoughtfully introduced, underpinned by theory, and clearly connected to current best practices. Accessible and engaging, this text offers insightful guidance for educators at every stage of an educator's career."
Dr Alison Morag Murray, Primary Health and Wellbeing/Physical Education Teacher Educator, University of Stirling, UK
"This book contains an impressive and extensive overview of professional knowledge in primary physical education, presented in an accessible and thought-provoking structure. It is an excellent resource for everyone involved in providing meaningful learning experiences for children in primary physical education. Contributions from international scholars and practitioners in the field, recommended and suggested readings and opportunities for reflection extend the book beyond just the presented chapters."
Maura Coulter, Associate Professor Primary Physical Education, School of Arts Education and Movement, Institute of Education, Dublin City University, Ireland
"This book does give a comprehensive overview of the key areas of knowledge required by primary PE practitioners and would be a good resource to check and reinforce principles and understanding, especially around FMS, inclusion and assessment. It would also be useful for colleagues to dip into when considering possible areas for professional development or improvement. I would recommend it to newly qualified practitioners looking to enhance or supplement their primary PE delivery and to more experienced colleagues looking for ideas to further support their subject development and understanding."
Suzanne Flint, Loughborough University, Physical Education Matters
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
13 Tables, black and white; 2 Line drawings, black and white; 2 Illustrations, black and white
File size
2,23 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-040-51493-1 (9781040514931)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Vicky Randall
Professional Knowledge in Primary Physical Education
Book
11/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€78.50
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
Vicky Randall is an educator, researcher and consultant in physical education. She holds fellowships with the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and serves as Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Gloucestershire. A dedicated advocate for mental health and well-being, she is an ambassador for Stormbreak CIO, a UK charity supporting children's mental health, and is a long-standing member of the Cross-Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood. Vicky has published widely in Physical Education, including two Routledge texts, An Introduction to Primary Physical Education and Contemporary Issues in Primary Physical Education.
Content
1.The Importance of Knowing in Primary Physical Education.
Part One:The Emerging Practitioner.
2.The Emerging Professional in Primary Physical Education.
3.Fundamental Movement Skills and the Developing Child.
4.Planning for Effective Learning.
5.Observing Practice.
Part Two:The Secure Practitioner.
6.Becoming Secure in your Knowledge.
7.Activities for Learning.
8.Risk and Challenge.
9.Inclusive Approaches.
10.Working with Others in Primary Physical Education.
Part Three:Aspirational Professional Knowledge.
11.The Subject Specialist Practitioner.
12.Whole School Approaches to Movement.
13.Assessment and Learning.
14.Advocacy of Primary Physical Education.
Part One:The Emerging Practitioner.
2.The Emerging Professional in Primary Physical Education.
3.Fundamental Movement Skills and the Developing Child.
4.Planning for Effective Learning.
5.Observing Practice.
Part Two:The Secure Practitioner.
6.Becoming Secure in your Knowledge.
7.Activities for Learning.
8.Risk and Challenge.
9.Inclusive Approaches.
10.Working with Others in Primary Physical Education.
Part Three:Aspirational Professional Knowledge.
11.The Subject Specialist Practitioner.
12.Whole School Approaches to Movement.
13.Assessment and Learning.
14.Advocacy of Primary Physical Education.
