Skip Navigation
Applicants
In this section

BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport course preparation

To help you feel prepared for your university studies, we’ve gathered together a range of course related activities including suggested reading, useful websites and some great things to do right now. Open the links below to find out more:

Your pre-entry workbook

An important part of preparing to study on the BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport programme is the completion of your pre-entry workbook before induction week. You’ll find tasks to complete which relate to each module you’ll study during your first year and have an opportunity to write down any questions you have. These will then be addressed during your Induction Week.

You’ll find out more about Induction Week later this summer.

You should bring your completed workbook to the first meeting you will have with your Personal Tutor who will advise you how it will be used and why it is important.
Your pre-entry workbook

Suggested reading

Detailed reading lists are provided in each module handbook which you will be able to access once you have started your programme. The following core references will enable you to become familiar with the key principles of teaching across the ability and inclusion spectrum:

  • ARMOUR, K., 2011. Sport Pedagogy, An Introduction for Teaching and Coaching. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.
  • BAILEY, R., 2011. Physical Education for Learning, London: Continuum International Publishing Group.
  • BURNS, T., SINFIELD, S., 2012. Essential Study Skills: The Complete Guide to Success at University. New York: Sage Publications Limited.
  • CAPEL, S., and WHITEHEAD, M., 2010. Learning to Teach Physical Education in the Secondary School. London: Routledge.
  • CLELAND-DONNELLY, F., MULLER, S.S. and GALLAHUE, D. L. 2017 Developmental Physical Education for All Children Theory into Practice. Illinois. Human Kinetics.
  • HAYWOOD, K. M. AND GETCHELL, N. 2014. Lifespan Motor Development. Illinois. Human Kinetics.
  • KIRK, D., MACDONALD, D. and O’SULLIVAN, M., 2013. The Handbook of Physical Education. London: Sage.
  • LAWRENCE, J. 2012. Teaching Primary Physical Education: London: Sage.

Suggested materials

Appropriate kit needs to be worn for the course. You’ll need to bring:

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Plain white t-shirt/polo shirt
  • Navy shorts or tracksuit bottoms as kit must be worn for all practical sessions.
  • AstroTurf/multipurpose trainers are required (fashionable footwear is not suitable for practical sessions)

Useful websites

If you want to join a sports team at University clubs and societies webpage.

Visit the following websites to check out PE and School Sports related jobs:

Catch up on the latest sports news

It is important to keep up to date with what is going on in the sports and education industry. Try to think more broadly than simply sports results – how about checking out announcements from the Department for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport, or the Department of Education and see how the latest news might affect PE teachers work.

Things to do over summer

Here are some activities that you can be doing during the next few months to prepare you for the start of the course:

  • Try to improve activity-specific subject knowledge
  • Update current CV
  • Read and familiarise yourself with the suggested texts

Use the drop down boxes for more summer activities.

Watch a webinar or read a blog
Listen to a podcast
Look at the PE National Curriculum

Additional ways to prepare

Preparing to start

This session examines how to make a successful transition to university. From planning your results day, accommodation and commuting tips, extra support available to you and general advice on uni life.

Watch the session

Find out more about who you are

The following information provides an insight into what to expect when coming to university along with some good advice on how to navigate some of the potential challenges you may face.

Start preparing yourself