As ICT has become a curriculum priority we are encouraged to use it within all subjects. PE, however, is often left out, regarded purely as a practical subject. This is simply not true, there is as much scope for PE and ICT as any other area.
Firstly, we can look at the curricular links with maths. Statistics, data handling and measuring for example, can all be recorded using ICT. Graphs, tables, charts and databases are all useful for documenting class results in any area of the PE curriculum. Athletics also provides endless opportunity for using both standard and non-standard measures.
Secondly, PE also has great potential to develop literacy skills and can be particularly useful for motivating boys. The England Rugby Union, for example, produced a set of worksheets for all pupils, using rugby-playing cartoon characters. Following NLS objectives the sheets focus on areas such as adverbs, verbs, vocab and history. Such history and current details about the team can also be looked up using the internet. Analysing sports reports is an excellent means of comparing text styles. Local Newspapers can be used, with children writing their own based on a school match. There is also plenty of scope for developing word processing skills, with children even creating their own newspapers.
Rules are an essential element of games and children can develop thinking skills by making up their own games with their own rules using resources from the PE cupboard. ICT could again be incorporated with children setting up league tables on Excel or typing up score charts.
PE also links easily to the science curriculum, and it is often through physical activity that children can learn the full potential of their bodies. Co-ordination and body control can be developed whilst highlighting breathing, sweating, heart rate, pulse and muscles for example. Such aspects can also link to PSHE, focusing on the body, fitness, healthy eating and the necessity of a safe and healthy lifestyle. There are many sites for children, which I have recorded later on, providing information and activities in these areas.
The internet is also an invaluable resource. Children can find out about their favourite teams, investigate games played in different countries, look at games played in the past, find out how the Olympics started or even design their own webpage to put the school team or their local club online, the list is endless.
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