Launch of the Primary/Elementary PE Special Interest Group
I am honoured to have been invited to serve as the inaugural Chair of the new Primary/Elementary Special Interest Group (SIG) of the AIESEP Research Association. It is with real excitement that I share news of this important development, following approval by the Board and our official launch during the 2025 AIESEP International Conference in Florida.
Joining me, Maura Coulter (Dublin City University), on the SIG Executive are colleagues who bring a wealth of expertise and commitment to advancing primary and elementary physical education worldwide:
- Nicola Carse (University of Edinburgh), Vice Chair
- Vicky Randall, Honorary Secretary
- Grace Cardiff (Maynooth University), Early Career Representative
Together, we are committed to creating a dynamic and supportive space focused on research, practice, and professional collaboration in this vital area of education.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the Primary/Elementary PE SIG is to establish a dedicated space for networking and scholarly activity among AIESEP members with a shared interest in primary and elementary physical education. This SIG provides an international platform where expertise can be brought together, enabling us to collectively influence the direction of the field and elevate its visibility globally.
We envision the SIG as a hub for collaboration; sharing and constructing knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to primary/elementary PE research and practice. Through our activities, we aim to encourage new research, professional dialogue, and innovative thinking that can make a lasting impact on children’s educational experiences and wellbeing.
Our Goals
The SIG has two major goals at its heart. First, to create a vibrant gathering and sharing space for AIESEP members interested in primary and elementary physical education. We will support this goal through activities such as:
- Hosting sharing events (including AIESEP Connect)
- Organising pre-conference activities
- Publishing blogs and newsletters
Second, we aim to become the international go-to expert space for everything related to primary/elementary physical education. This will involve promoting the SIG’s work and outputs widely, supporting members to share expertise, and building a strong collective identity within AIESEP.
Areas of Focus
Under the umbrella of Primary/Elementary PE SIG the research and practice areas of focus is diverse, reflecting the many aspects of the field. Our united enterprise will encompass (but is not limited to):
- Teaching, learning, and assessment in primary/elementary physical education
- Teacher education for generalist and specialist teachers
- Professional development for those working with children in these ages
- Physical education within and across curriculum areas
- Health education and wellbeing, including healthy lifestyles, growth, and development
- Physical literacy, movement education, play, and outdoor learning (establishing links with the Early Years (EY) SIG to ensure a seamless transition)
- Methodologies and approaches to researching primary/elementary physical education
This shared focus creates the opportunity for international collaboration that reflects the complexity and richness of primary/elementary physical education.
Join Us
We warmly invite colleagues with an interest in these areas to connect with the SIG. By joining, you will be part of a growing community helping to shape the field’s future. You can stay updated on our activities by subscribing to our mailing list via this form. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Bluesky, where we will share news of events, activities, and outputs.
We look forward to building this international community together—one that supports innovation, fosters collaboration, and reinforces the centrality of primary and elementary physical education in children’s lives.
