1st Edition

Maximising Learning in Physical Education A Practice to Theory Approach

Edited By Susan Capel, Joanne Cliffe, Julia Lawrence Copyright 2026
220 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

220 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

220 Pages 6 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

Maximising Learning in Physical Education identifies some key challenges in physical education that impact pupils’ learning, looking at how they manifest over time and suggesting possible ways teachers can address them. Each chapter features a real-life case study or a scenario to illustrate a specific challenge and identify some possible causes. It then draws on theory, research and evidence... Read more

Introduction  
Susan Capel, Joanne Cliffe, Julia Lawrence 

Chapter 1 Challenge related to reflective practice: helping teachers to reflect 
Paul McFlynn

Chapter 2 Challenge related to pupil learning: helping pupils to learn effectively
Julia Lawrence

Chapter 3 Challenge related to progression and continuity in the curriculum: curriculum development to support pupil progress
Susan Capel and Julia Lawrence
 
Chapter 4 Challenge related to assessment: developing effective assessment in lessons
Joanne Cliffe and Katie Potter

Chapter 5 Challenge related to use of feedback: using feedback for effective learning in lessons
Joanne Cliffe and Katie Potter

Chapter 6 Challenge related to motivation: enhancing the motivational climate for year 10 girls
Victoria Clements and Kevin Morgan

Chapter 7 Challenge related to managing behaviour: using behaviour for learning in lessons
Joanne Cliffe and Chris Ewing

Chapter 8 Challenge related to promoting learning in the physical domain: developing physical competence – curriculum, pedagogy and assessment
Richard Blair and Neve Blair

Chapter 9 Challenge related to promoting learning in the cognitive domain: developing pupils’ declarative knowledge and thinking
Julia Lawrence
 
Chapter 10 Challenge related to promoting learning in the affective domain: meeting the emotional needs of pupils 
Kate Bancroft and George Kinkead

Chapter 11 Challenge related to inclusion, special educational needs and disabilities: supporting hard-of-hearing pupils in a mainstream specifically resourced provision in their physical education lessons
Rebecca Foster and Alice Smyth

Chapter 12 Challenge related to enacting trauma-informed practice
Oliver Hooper, Vincent Coleman, Rachel Sandford, Thomas Quarmby and Shirley Gray

Chapter 13 Challenge related to pupil participation in physical activity outside lessons: what can be done in physical education that might increase young people’s participation in physical activity and sport beyond school
Ken Green, Daragh O’Hare, Suzy Twist and Hannah Vecchione

Chapter 14 Challenge related to my own context: identifying and addressing challenges in my own teaching 
Julia Lawrence

Biography

Susan Capel is a Professor Emerita at Brunel University, London, where she was the Head of the School of Sport and Education.

Joanne Cliffe is a freelance researcher. Her background is in teaching secondary physical education and then higher education as an Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham.

Julia Lawrence is an Assistant Professor at Northumbria University, Secondary Lead Mentor for Scarborough Teaching Alliance and Subject Lead for Physical Education with Exchange Teacher Training.