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Engaging Girls in PE: Tackling Drop-Off and Building Lifelong Participation
Course Code: T0450 £299.00
ABOUT THIS COURSE
This brand-new course addresses the well-documented decline in girls’ participation in PE, particularly during the transition from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4. It explores the key social, cultural, and educational factors behind disengagement, including confidence, body image, and curriculum relevance. Drawing on current research and practical classroom approaches, the course focuses on strategies to design more inclusive curricula, adapt teaching, and create supportive environments where all students feel motivated to take part. It supports departments to develop a PE offer that builds confidence, increases enjoyment, and encourages sustained participation in physical activity.BENEFITS OF ATTENDING
- Understand the causes of disengagement among girls and how these evolve over time
- Develop practical strategies to increase participation, enjoyment, and sustained engagement
- Create a more inclusive, supportive, and student-centred PE environment
- Improve confidence, self-esteem, and outcomes for female students
- Align PE provision more closely with whole-school wellbeing and inclusion priorities
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Heads of PE and Curriculum Leaders
- All PE teachers
- Pastoral and Wellbeing Leads
PROGRAMME
10.00am: Understanding the Drop-Off: Why Girls Disengage from PE- Key research and trends, including when and why participation typically declines
- Social, cultural, and psychological barriers that influence engagement
- The role of curriculum design, teaching approaches, and environment in disengagement
- Challenging assumptions and reflecting on current departmental practice
11.00am: Break
11.20am: Designing an Inclusive and Engaging Curriculum
- Rethinking activities and content to better reflect student interests and needs
- Increasing choice, flexibility, and relevance within schemes of work
- Creating safe, supportive, and non-judgemental learning environments
- Adapting curriculum and delivery for diverse needs, abilities, and backgrounds
12.20pm: Teaching Approaches That Build Confidence and Engagement
- Using inclusive language and communication to encourage participation
- Managing group dynamics and fostering positive peer relationships
- Encouraging participation in ways that reduce pressure and fear of judgement
- Celebrating progress, effort, and personal success over performance outcomes
1.20pm: Lunch
2.20pm: Building a Culture of Participation and Belonging
- Promoting positive role models and increasing representation within PE
- Embedding student voice and leadership opportunities in lessons and clubs
- Developing inclusive and appealing extracurricular opportunities
- Linking PE more explicitly to wellbeing, confidence, and lifelong health
3.10pm: Break
3.15pm: Implementing Change in Your Department
- Auditing current provision to identify strengths and areas for development
- Identifying quick wins alongside sustainable long-term strategies
- Measuring impact through participation data, student voice, and feedback
- Creating a clear and realistic action plan for departmental improvement
3.45pm: Depart
Leadership - Code: T0450Engaging Girls in PE: Tackling Drop-Off and Building Lifelong Participation
COURSE LEADER
Carla Howard is an experienced Head of PE and PE leader with over eight years teaching experience and four years in faculty leadership. She is passionate about high-quality physical education and supporting teachers and leaders.
She is the Founder of the Heads of PE Network (HoPE Network) and an AfPE Regional Advocate. Her professional interests include curriculum design, physical literacy, assessment, leadership and evidence-informed practice.
She regularly contributes to conferences, CPD and professional networks, sharing practical strategies that teachers and leaders can apply directly to their own practice.
Course Brochure
