Efficacy of the SAMPLE- PE curriculum (non-linear constraints based primary school physical education curriculum) to improve physical literacy attributes among primary school children from low socio- economic backgrounds

Physical education (PE) in primary school plays an important role in children’s development. The report by the ’All Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood’, published 19th October 2016 offers a bleak overview of PE in schools, highlighting a lack of systematic curriculum innovation since 1942. Traditionally, primary school PE curriculums are technique dominated, involving the use of prescriptive instructions and repetitive drills, frequently providing children with negative experiences of school PE. The result is that many children do not become physically literate and as adults choose not to participate in sports or other physical activities. Their sedentary lifestyles have a significant cost, not only in terms of the individuals’ own health and well being but also to society in general. Finding innovative ways to increase children’s positive experience of PE and sports participation is therefore a priority.

The successful PhD candidate will help to develop and then evaluate the efficacy of a non-linear constraints based primary school PE curriculum at improving motor skill competence and perceived motor skill competence. This work will ultimately lead to a better understanding of the causal relationship between actual and perceived motor skill competence in primary school children, and whether a non-linear constraints based PE curriculum fosters motivation for physical activity.

The PhD will be housed in the School of Sport Studies, Leisure and Nutrition at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), but will include regular travel to and from school settings around Liverpool.

The PhD will be supervised by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr James Rudd, with Professor David Morley (Faculty of Education, Health and Community, LJMU), and Dr Lawrence Foweather (Faculty of Science) and supported by a team of project advisors. This collaborative arrangement will allow the candidate to develop transferable knowledge and skills relevant for a career in both academia and the physical activity/public health sectors. The student will be part of a large network of postgraduate students across LJMU and will receive a programme of ongoing training and development, including completion of LJMU’s accredited 3is teaching programme. The student will have to undertake teaching in skill acquisition of 100 hours per year.

To apply, please e-mail your CV and personal statement (max one page A4) to Dr James Rudd ([Email Address Removed]) by 5pm Monday 16th December 2016. Your personal statement should make clear how you meet the essential / desirable criteria for the role, highlighting key evidence to support your points. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview and presentation during w/c 16th January 2017. For informal enquiries about this studentship please contact Dr James Rudd on 0151 2314152 or [Email Address Removed].

Specific eligibility requirements:
Essential
• Passionate about physical education, skill acquisition, physical activity and/or psychology
• Strong undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK 2:1 grade or above) OR undergraduate degree plus MSc in motor learning or psychology (though other related disciplines will be considered)
• Excellent written / oral communication skills
• Ability to co-ordinate a complex multidisciplinary project
• Appreciation of the challenges of conducting research within a “real-world” environment
• Ability and willingness to undertake both quantitative and qualitative research
• Enhanced DBS check will be required to check eligibility for the role

Desirable
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area
• Practical and research experience (voluntary or paid) of working with young children/children in educational settings
• Experience of working within a primary school environment
• Own transport


For enquiries, contact:
Dr James Rudd
Email: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone: 0151 2314152

Subject area(s) the project falls into:
physical education, physical literacy, primary school, children, fundamental movement skills, curriculum, child development, skill acquisition, motor development, health, physical activity