Research

PCRE research

Our research themes, projects and publications.

Through our research, we aim to offer critical and transformative insights into curriculum, pedagogy and professional learning within the contexts of physical education, schools and Initial Teacher Education. Our research aims to contribute to the development of each of these areas by addressing a range of contemporary issues and challenges.

Research themes

Our research can be categorised into four broad themes detailed below. For each of these themes, we adopt a critical perspective in order to understand, challenge, create knowledge and transform practice. 

Health and wellbeing

Our research in this area critically explores different conceptualizations of health and wellbeing and their impact on curriculum and pedagogy, as well as pupil and teacher learning and wellbeing. 

Professional learning

Our research in this area involves working with pre-service and in-service physical education teachers to support their professional learning. This work covers a broad range of topics and is guided by lesson study and self-study research.

Physical education and sport pedagogy

Our work in this area fundamentally focuses on what teachers do and the impact this can have on pupil learning and embodiment. We critically explore the ways in which teachers plan and deliver their lessons in order to promote embodied and inclusive learning environments. We also work with teachers to support their use of various teaching models in line with curriculum objectives and the needs of their pupils.

Digital cultures

Our research in this area explores how and why teachers engage with digital technology to promote learning. We also explore the ways in which young people engage with digital technology and social media for their learning, their bodies and their health and wellbeing.

Current and recent research projects

Selected recent publications

Exploring pre-service physical education teachers' trauma-related learning experiences in schools 

Exploring physical education teachers’ conceptualisations of health and wellbeing discourse across the four nations of the UK. Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education

Young women, health and physical activity: Tensions between the gendered fields of Physical Education and Instagram

‘Health First’ and curriculum reform in China: The experiences of physical education teachers in one city

Embracing complex adaptive practice: The potential of lesson study

More projects and publications

For more examples of projects and publications, see our members' profiles. Access their profiles via their names on our People page.