Richard Bailey succeeds in addressing the diverse needs of primary and secondary teachers in one volume by focusing on the skills of teaching physical education. Each chapter is full of practical advice, accompanied, in an informative way, by the theory that underlines good practice.

This is also an interactive book with tasks to help the reader develop understanding and reflect on current practice. The tasks will provide subject managers with plenty of ideas for school-based Inset. Physical education’s aims are placed in specific and general contexts, and nothing illustrates the subject’s potential more than the comprehensive review of its contribution to learning across the curriculum.

The many skills essential for the goals to be achieved are presented in a way that cannot fail to make anyone a more effective teacher. Chapters on planning and evaluation, promoting a positive climate for learning, and lesson organisation and management provide a wealth of practical guidance for getting the first essentials right. Once lessons are under way, specific strategies for making teaching effective are considered. These include the quality of instructions, the use of demonstrations, questioning, giving feedback and managing behaviour.

The chapters on monitoring and assessment, ICT and meeting the new class are particularly relevant. All are highly informative but nothing illustrates the book’s value more than the chapter on special educational needs and differentiation. This makes it essential reading rather than “highly recommended”. Prospective, newly-qualified and experienced teachers alike will find much to influence their teaching in this excellent book.

Colin Lee

Colin Lee is a physical education consultant