Mission
The mission of the Primary/Elementary PE SIG (PE-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 goals at its heart. First, we are committed to creating a dynamic and supportive space for AIESEP members interested in primary and elementary physical education focused on research, practice, and professional collaboration in this vital area of 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 are 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.
Thinking of joining?
If you wish to join, and interested in researching in any area of PE-PE (from 4 to 13 years), please send an email to Dr Maura Coulter at maura.coulter@dcu.ie or by subscribing to our mailing list via this form.
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 and 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.
Leadership responsibilities:
Chair: Maura Coulter (maura.coulter@dcu.ie)
Chair-Elect: Nicola Carse (Nicola.Carse@ed.ac.uk)
Secretary: Vicky Randall (vrandalledu@gmail.com)
ECR representative: Grace Cardiff (grace.cardiff@mu.ie)