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Welcome to the SATPE Podcast – with Darren Leslie & Chris Crookston

Join experienced educators Darren Leslie and Chris Crookston as they dive into the world of Physical Education. The podcast will interview a variety of professionals and experts in Physical Education in Scotland and beyond.

Darren Leslie (Lead host and coordinator)

Darren Leslie

Darren Leslie brings over 15 years of experience in teaching and leadership in education. A dedicated PE specialist who is commitment to high-quality physical education and working with young people. Darren works in Fife Council with experience in Clackmannanshire, Perth & Kinross and East Lothian. Darren worked as Principal Teacher for Teaching & Learning in Clackmannanshire and Fife for the past five years before returning to teach Physical Education in 2024. Darren was previously the Subscription Secretary for SATPE and now joins the Executive Committee as Podcast Lead in 2025. Darren has extensive experience in podcasting after hosting and producing Becoming Educated which launched in 2020 and is available on all podcasting platforms.

Chris Crookston (Co-host and coordinator)

Chris Crookston

Chris Crookston brings over 14 years of experience in coaching, teaching, and leadership across both sport and education sectors. A dedicated PE specialist in South Ayrshire for the past 9 years, he has also served as Regional Head Coach with Coerver Coaching for 13 years, fostering player development and coach education. Chris has been an integral part of SATPE (Scottish Association of Teachers of Physical Education) for the last decade—leading key initiatives, serving as President from 2022 to 2024, and currently acting as Treasurer. With 10 years of teaching experience in both primary and secondary settings, Chris begins a new chapter as a member of the Girvan Academy PE Department, continuing his commitment to high-quality physical education and work with young people.

HOW DOES SATPE PODCAST HELP ME?

The podcast series will share practical strategies, insightful ideas, and proven practices to support teachers at every stage—Primary, BGE, Senior Phase, and beyond. Whether you’re a student, NQT or experienced teacher or just starting your journey in the profession, this podcast is your go-to source for inspiration and professional learning in all things Physical Education.

You can find our latest episodes here:

🎙 EPISODE 8 OUT NOW

We are delighted to announce that Episode 8 of the SATPE Podcast is now live, hosted by Darren Leslie and Chris Crookston.

Aaron Anderson, Principal Teacher of Health & Wellbeing at Bell Baxter High School

In this conversation Aaron poses some challenging questions to how we teach Higher PE and delves into the challenges faced in Higher Physical Education (PE) assessments, particularly the gap between practical and theoretical performance. The discussion highlights the importance of knowledge retention, effective course structure, and the application of cognitive science principles in teaching. Strategies for improving exam performance and the role of continuous professional development are also explored, emphasising the need for educators to adapt and grow in their practice.

🔗 Listen Here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1O49FQnEKBKcXUYkZQKqAN?si=quGs7OTRTzu1u-lq1TcvYg
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/aaron-anderson/id1833451832?i=1000751126123

 

🎙 EPISODE 7

Iain Stanger, Faculty Head of Health & Wellbeing at Aberdeen Grammar School and Senior Team Leader for Higher PE Exam

In this episode, Iain Stanger discusses effective teaching strategies, particularly focusing on the importance of questioning techniques and the use of silence to enhance student engagement in the classroom. He emphasises the need for teachers to create an environment where students feel encouraged to think critically and respond thoughtfully.

🔗 Listen Here:
SATPE Website: https://www.satpe.co.uk/satpe-podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6QARaomg5gV8gcMO0c6p6u
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/colin-chambers/id1833451832?i=1000744930111https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/colin-chambers/id1833451832?i=1000744930111

Please tune in, share with colleagues, and help us grow this professional learning community.

🎙 EPISODE 6 – COLIN CHAMBERS (PT Park Means HS & SQA Principal Assessor for HIGHER)

Colin Chambers, Principal Teacher of Physical Education and Health & Wellbeing at Park Mains High School & Principal Assessor for Higher Physical Education

In this conversation, Darren Leslie & Chris Crookston Speak with Colin Chambers, Principal Assessor for Higher Physical Education. Colin discusses effective strategies for teaching scenario questions in Higher PE, emphasising the importance of understanding their unique role in assessments. He shares practical methods for engaging students, including the use of real-life examples and cooperative learning strategies. Colin also highlights the significance of modelling answers and providing structured writing frameworks to enhance students’ analytical skills. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the joy of teaching and the foundational role of early years in fostering a love for physical education.

🔗 Listen Here:
SATPE Website: https://www.satpe.co.uk/satpe-podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6QARaomg5gV8gcMO0c6p6u
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/colin-chambers/id1833451832?i=1000744930111

Please tune in, share with colleagues, and help us grow this professional learning community.

🎙 EPISODE 5 – KEVAN BRYDEN (PT Marr College & SQA Principal Assessor for N5)

In this conversation, Darren Leslie and Kevan Bryden explore the challenges students face with evaluative questions in Physical Education at National 5 & Higher. They discuss the importance of literacy skills, confidence, and the need for teachers to simplify the evaluation process. Common errors in student responses are identified, and effective teaching strategies are shared, including the use of wrong answers as learning tools. The conversation also highlights the differences between National 5 and Higher evaluations, the significance of justifying performance development, and the importance of experiential learning in understanding evaluation.

🔗 Listen Here:
SATPE Website: https://www.satpe.co.uk/satpe-podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6QARaomg5gV8gcMO0c6p6u
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/satpe-podcast/id1833451832

Please tune in, share with colleagues, and help us grow this professional learning community.

🎙 EPISODE 4 – CIARAN WOOD (PT Girvan Academy & SQA Team Leader Assessor for N5)

In this conversation, Ciaran Wood discusses the teaching strategies and methodologies used in National 5 Physical Education, focusing on the four factors of performance. He emphasises the importance of experiential learning, practical strategies, and the challenges of data collection. Ciaran shares insights on how to engage students through active learning and the balance between theory and practice in lessons. He also highlights the need for flexibility in teaching approaches based on the unique needs of students and the resources available.

🔗 Listen Here:
SATPE Website: https://www.satpe.co.uk/satpe-podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1mto2aCAvXtxxVbT5S5JK4?si=I2l3DUMRQZ6ybmZivVO3hw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/satpe-podcast/id1833451832

Please tune in, share with colleagues, and help us grow this professional learning community.

📢 EPISODE 3 – RITCHIE DURNO (PT – Trinity HS & Vice Principal Assessor Higher PE SQA) 

📢 EPISODE 2 – STUART MCCRACKEN (Faculty Head of Health & Wellbeing – Woodfarm High School) 

EPISODE 1 – SHAUNI CASSIDY (Acting PTC NEWBATTLE HS)