The real PE podcast

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.

real PE podcast episode 8: The Future of Physical Education: Prioritising What Matters

Join Toni Smyth as she welcomes back John Parson (Director of Innovation) and Ronnie Heath (CEO) from real PE to discuss the exciting future of physical education.
This thought-provoking conversation explores how EdTech can enhance PE provision, the importance of joyful movement experiences, and why focusing on inclusive physical development opportunities across the school day might be more valuable than traditional PE lessons.
The team shares insights on where schools could prioritise their time and effort, the power of early intervention, and what success looks like for real PE in the years ahead. Essential listening for any educator passionate about creating positive relationships with physical activity for every child. 

real PE episode 8: The Future of Physical Education: Prioritising What Matters

Join Toni Smyth as she welcomes back John Parson (Director of Innovation) and Ronnie Heath (CEO) from real PE to discuss the exciting future of physical education.
This thought-provoking conversation explores how EdTech can enhance PE provision, the importance of joyful movement experiences, and why focusing on inclusive physical development opportunities across the school day might be more valuable than traditional PE lessons.
The team shares insights on where schools could prioritise their time and effort, the power of early intervention, and what success looks like for real PE in the years ahead. Essential listening for any educator passionate about creating positive relationships with physical activity for every child. 

real PE podcast Episode 7: EMPOWERING TEACHERS: The real PE Difference

Join host Toni Smyth as she welcomes back Ronnie Heath (CEO) and John Parsons (Director of Innovation) from real PE to discuss how their approach to physical education has evolved over the past decade.
In this insightful conversation, they explore how the core philosophy of child-centred, inclusive PE and outstanding learning and teaching, remains unchanged while their delivery methods have embraced technology to provide more personalised support for teachers.
Discover how real PE's professional learning approach is still changing practice and empowering educators to adapt their delivery and resources to meet the specific needs of every pupil.

real PE podcast Episode 7: EMPOWERING TEACHERS: The real PE Difference

Join host Toni Smyth as she welcomes back Ronnie Heath (CEO) and John Parsons (Director of Innovation) from real PE to discuss how their approach to physical education has evolved over the past decade.
In this insightful conversation, they explore how the core philosophy of child-centred, inclusive PE and outstanding learning and teaching, remains unchanged while their delivery methods have embraced technology to provide more personalised support for teachers.
Discover how real PE's professional learning approach is still changing practice and empowering educators to adapt their delivery and resources to meet the specific needs of every pupil.

real PE podcast episode 6: Motor competence crisis

Motor competence crisis: How modern life is affecting children's development
Episode Description: Join us as we speak with Johann Issartel, CEO of MoveAhead, who reveals alarming findings about children's motor development in the modern world.
Discover how 90% of children are now falling behind in basic movement skills, the impact of increased screen time and innovative solutions combining technology with physical activity to address this growing challenge.
Johann shares insights from his research and practical approaches to help educators and parents support children's motor development in today's digital age.
Podcast host:
John Parsons, Director of Innovation, real PE
Special guest
Johann Issartel, CEO and Co-founder, MoveAhead
 
About the guest speaker and host
Johann Issartel, CEO and Co-founder, MoveAheadMoveAhead is a company revolutionising how youth athletes develop and measure their motor skills. Using cutting-edge computer vision technology, MoveAhead enables objective movement assessment, enhances motor learning, and engages players through interactive video games and mobile apps; bridging the gap between digital play and real-world athletic development.
John Parsons, Director of Innovation, real PEFollowing four years at Chelsea Football Club, John went on to do Joint Honours degree in History and Politics at Nottingham University. This was followed by a scholarship in the United States where he combined academia and sport by playing and coaching University football whilst gaining a M.Sc. in Primary Education. Following seven years in teaching and coaching, John went on to become Sports Coach UK’s London Regional Manager, their National Lead for Multi-skills and Fundamental Movement Skills and a FA Coach Educator. At Create, he has led nationally on developing products and solutions, including FUNS for everyone, Raising the Bar and the acclaimed real PE programme and has now taken on the role of Director of Innovation. As an outstanding Tutor and facilitator, John has contributed to the development of thousands of teachers and coaches.

real PE podcast episode 6: Motor competence crisis

Motor competence crisis: How modern life is affecting children's development
Episode Description: Join us as we speak with Johann Issartel, CEO of MoveAhead, who reveals alarming findings about children's motor development in the modern world.
Discover how 90% of children are now falling behind in basic movement skills, the impact of increased screen time and innovative solutions combining technology with physical activity to address this growing challenge.
Johann shares insights from his research and practical approaches to help educators and parents support children's motor development in today's digital age.
Podcast host:
John Parsons, Director of Innovation, real PE
Special guest
Johann Issartel, CEO and Co-founder, MoveAhead
 
About the guest speaker and host
Johann Issartel, CEO and Co-founder, MoveAheadMoveAhead is a company revolutionising how youth athletes develop and measure their motor skills. Using cutting-edge computer vision technology, MoveAhead enables objective movement assessment, enhances motor learning, and engages players through interactive video games and mobile apps; bridging the gap between digital play and real-world athletic development.
John Parsons, Director of Innovation, real PEFollowing four years at Chelsea Football Club, John went on to do Joint Honours degree in History and Politics at Nottingham University. This was followed by a scholarship in the United States where he combined academia and sport by playing and coaching University football whilst gaining a M.Sc. in Primary Education. Following seven years in teaching and coaching, John went on to become Sports Coach UK’s London Regional Manager, their National Lead for Multi-skills and Fundamental Movement Skills and a FA Coach Educator. At Create, he has led nationally on developing products and solutions, including FUNS for everyone, Raising the Bar and the acclaimed real PE programme and has now taken on the role of Director of Innovation. As an outstanding Tutor and facilitator, John has contributed to the development of thousands of teachers and coaches.