The real PE podcast

real PE podcast Special Edition: Measuring What Matters: A Deep Dive into Primary PE Assessment

Join hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) for this special edition podcast that tackles the hotly debated topic of assessment in PE.
In this thought-provoking episode, our experts challenge conventional thinking about assessment, arguing that formative assessment is the only type that truly matters for learning, whilst summative assessment serves as a valuable subset when used purposefully.
The conversation reveals how effective assessment should celebrate children's progress across all domains, support teachers in their decision-making, and ultimately serve learning rather than simply recording data. With passionate discussion about measuring what we value rather than valuing what we measure, this episode offers both philosophical insights and practical solutions for PE assessment.

real PE podcast Special Edition: Measuring What Matters: A Deep Dive into Primary PE Assessment

Join hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) for this special edition podcast that tackles the hotly debated topic of assessment in PE.
In this thought-provoking episode, our experts challenge conventional thinking about assessment, arguing that formative assessment is the only type that truly matters for learning, whilst summative assessment serves as a valuable subset when used purposefully. The conversation reveals how effective assessment should celebrate children's progress across all domains, support teachers in their decision-making, and ultimately serve learning rather than simply recording data. With passionate discussion about measuring what we value rather than valuing what we measure, this episode offers both philosophical insights and practical solutions for PE assessment.

real nonsense episode 10: From standardised laps to joyful movement: Reimagining daily activity

Welcome to Real Nonsense Episode 10! For the first time ever, hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) aren't delivering a straight "complete nonsense" verdict. Instead, they explore the nuanced world of daily running activities in primary schools with their inaugural "it depends" conclusion.
The trio examines whether making all children run the same standardised distance or time is beneficial or harmful. Whilst acknowledging the importance of daily physical activity, they question whether one-size-fits-all approaches truly serve our pupils' needs. From creating negative associations with movement to missing opportunities for genuine learning, they unpack why standardised running programmes might be doing more harm than good.
But it's not all criticism! The hosts share inspiring examples of schools transforming rigid running routines into joyful, choice-driven activities that actually work. Discover how creative teachers are incorporating pupil voice, cross-curricular links, and flexible timing to make daily movement meaningful.
The episode also explores brilliant alternatives to laps: active learning techniques, movement breaks within lessons, Wake and Shake programmes, and the innovative real PE Daily activities that link physical movement to curriculum learning.
Whether you're a teacher, headteacher, or physical education specialist, this episode challenges you to rethink how we can make daily physical activity truly educational, engaging, and enjoyable for every child.

real nonsense episode 10: From standardised laps to joyful movement: Reimagining daily activity

Welcome to Real Nonsense Episode 10! For the first time ever, hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) aren't delivering a straight "complete nonsense" verdict. Instead, they explore the nuanced world of daily running activities in primary schools with their inaugural "it depends" conclusion.
The trio examines whether making all children run the same standardised distance or time is beneficial or harmful. Whilst acknowledging the importance of daily physical activity, they question whether one-size-fits-all approaches truly serve our pupils' needs. From creating negative associations with movement to missing opportunities for genuine learning, they unpack why standardised running programmes might be doing more harm than good.
But it's not all criticism! The hosts share inspiring examples of schools transforming rigid running routines into joyful, choice-driven activities that actually work. Discover how creative teachers are incorporating pupil voice, cross-curricular links, and flexible timing to make daily movement meaningful.
The episode also explores brilliant alternatives to laps: active learning techniques, movement breaks within lessons, Wake and Shake programmes, and the innovative real PE Daily activities that link physical movement to curriculum learning.
Whether you're a teacher, headteacher, or physical education specialist, this episode challenges you to rethink how we can make daily physical activity truly educational, engaging, and enjoyable for every child.

real nonsense episode 9: Missing Movement: Why Taking Children Out of PE is Educational Madness

Missing Movement: Why Taking Children Out of PE is Educational Madness
In this thought-provoking episode of Real Nonsense, hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) tackle one of the most frustrating practices in education: removing children from PE lessons as punishment or to catch up on other subjects.
This episode explores why treating physical education as expendable is not just counterproductive but fundamentally wrong. The team discusses how PE should be viewed as a right, not a reward, and examines the damaging cycle created when we remove the very movement opportunities children need most.
Key discussion points include:
Why PE is often the first subject to be sacrificed
The counterproductive nature of removing active time from children who need it most
How this practice sends the wrong message about the value of physical education
Practical advice for PE subject leaders on having those difficult conversations
The importance of courage in standing up for your subject
The hosts acknowledge this is a challenging topic but provide thoughtful guidance for PE professionals who face this nonsense daily. They emphasise that every child has the right to be physically educated and make progress, regardless of behaviour in other areas.
Episode Length: 16 minutesFeaturing: Tony Smyth, Ronnie Heath, John ParsonsSpecial Thanks: Steven Pritchard for suggesting this topic

real nonsense episode 9: Missing Movement: Why Taking Children Out of PE is Educational Madness

Podcast Episode Description:
In this thought-provoking episode of Real Nonsense, hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) tackle one of the most frustrating practices in education: removing children from PE lessons as punishment or to catch up on other subjects.
This episode explores why treating physical education as expendable is not just counterproductive but fundamentally wrong. The team discusses how PE should be viewed as a right, not a reward, and examines the damaging cycle created when we remove the very movement opportunities children need most.
Key discussion points include:
Why PE is often the first subject to be sacrificed
The counterproductive nature of removing active time from children who need it most
How this practice sends the wrong message about the value of physical education
Practical advice for PE subject leaders on having those difficult conversations
The importance of courage in standing up for your subject
The hosts acknowledge this is a challenging topic but provide thoughtful guidance for PE professionals who face this nonsense daily. They emphasise that every child has the right to be physically educated and make progress, regardless of behaviour in other areas.
Episode Length: 16 minutesFeaturing: Tony Smyth, Ronnie Heath, John ParsonsSpecial Thanks: Steven Pritchard for suggesting this topic

real nonsense episode 8: From Static Stretches to Dynamic Adventures: Rethinking PE Warm-ups

real nonsense episode 8 focusses in on inappropriate warm-ups. 
Join hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) as they tackle one of the most common pieces of nonsense still happening in primary PE lessons across the country.
In this episode, we explore why traditional warm-ups like running laps around the playground or standing in circles doing static stretches are not just ineffective but are missing huge opportunities for meaningful learning. Our expert panel reveals why these practices persist and, more importantly, provides practical solutions that will transform your PE lessons from the very first minute.

real nonsense episode 8: From Static Stretches to Dynamic Adventures: Rethinking PE Warm-ups

Episode 8 of real nonsense focusses in on inappropriate warmups:
Join hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) as they tackle one of the most common pieces of nonsense still happening in primary PE lessons across the country.
In this episode, we explore why traditional warm-ups like running laps around the playground or standing in circles doing static stretches are not just ineffective but are missing huge opportunities for meaningful learning. Our expert panel reveals why these practices persist and, more importantly, provides practical solutions that will transform your PE lessons from the very first minute.

real PE podcast Special Edition: The Great Sports Day Debate: Competition V's Collaboration

The Great Sports Day Debate: Competition V's Collaboration
Join Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath CEO of real PE, and John Parsons the Director of Innovation at real PE for this special edition podcast tackling the annual primary school sports day conundrum! As the summer term approaches, PE leads across the country are planning this important school event that often sparks debate among staff, parents, and pupils.
Our expert panel explores how to create inclusive yet competitive sports days that reflect your school's values and physical education philosophy. They discuss the balance between healthy competition and collaboration, share practical strategies for engaging all children regardless of ability, and offer tips for communicating your sports day vision to parents.
Discover how to transform your sports day from a standalone event into a meaningful celebration of your school's physical education journey, where personal bests are celebrated alongside traditional races, and every child feels valued. Whether you're looking to refresh your approach or seeking validation for your current practice, this conversation provides thoughtful insights on creating memorable sports days that showcase the best of primary PE.

Special Edition: The Great Sports Day Debate: Competition V's Collaboration

The Great Sports Day Debate: Competition V's Collaboration
Join Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath CEO of real PE, and John Parsons the Director of Innovation at real PE for this special edition podcast tackling the annual primary school sports day conundrum!
As the summer term approaches, PE leads across the country are planning this important school event that often sparks debate among staff, parents, and pupils.
Our expert panel explores how to create inclusive yet competitive sports days that reflect your school's values and physical education philosophy. They discuss the balance between healthy competition and collaboration, share practical strategies for engaging all children regardless of ability, and offer tips for communicating your sports day vision to parents.
Discover how to transform your sports day from a standalone event into a meaningful celebration of your school's physical education journey, where personal bests are celebrated alongside traditional races, and every child feels valued.
Whether you're looking to refresh your approach or seeking validation for your current practice, this conversation provides thoughtful insights on creating memorable sports days that showcase the best of primary PE.