Examining Health Discourses within Primary School Physical Education

Application details:
Reference number: SSEHS/JS/RS
Start date: 1st October 2017
Closing date: Monday 10th July
Interview date: Monday 24th July

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr Julie Stirrup
Secondary supervisor: Dr Rachel Sandford
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Project Detail:
Primary Physical Education (PPE) is increasingly being recognised for the role it can play in setting a foundation for lifelong engagement in physical activity and addressing societal and government concerns around children’s health and well-being. Post the London Olympics (2012), Physical Education and School Sport has increasingly become a target for government attention, with a strong focus on the potential health benefits it affords. In relation to this, the PE and Sport Premium funding has altered the context of the PE curriculum and who delivers it, with the teaching of primary school PE in England increasingly being undertaken by sports coaches. Given the curriculum/policy link between PE and health, this change in provision leads to questions concerning; the impact of sports coaches on pupils’ (understandings of) health; the role teachers’ play in reproducing health discourses; and the varied ways in which young children are learning about health. To date, these questions have not been fully addressed in the literature and the proposed project aims to support an examination of this area to facilitate a better understanding of the impact of premium funding. In doing so, it seeks to generate findings that can inform future policies and practices in this area.

Find out more:
General information about the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/

Entry requirements:
Applicants will need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Science, Sport, Physical Education and Coaching or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the above subjects will be an advantage. Experience of work within a school setting is desirable.

Funding information:
The studentship is for three years and will ideally start in October 2017. The studentship provides a tax free stipend of £14,553 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. International (non EU) students may apply however the total value of the studentship will be used to cover the International tuition fee in the first instance.

Contact details:
For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Dr Julie Stirrup on [Email Address Removed], 01509 226 435 or Dr Rachel Sandford on [Email Address Removed], 01509 226 392

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences.

Please quote reference number: SSEHS/JS/RS