PE course is a first for China

Forget Brexit. Bosses at Preston’s university are celebrating after picking up another first.
UCLan... Nick Passenger delivers a class at Hunan University in ChinaUCLan... Nick Passenger delivers a class at Hunan University in China
UCLan... Nick Passenger delivers a class at Hunan University in China

The University of Central Lancashire has been hand picked by The Chinese Ministry of Education to deliver one of only three ministry-approved sports degrees.

Hunan Normal University in Changsha has been working with two leading lecturers from UCLan to create a BA (Hons) Sport and Physical Education degree course for Chinese students, bringing a different approach to teaching PE in China.

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Traditionally, physical education in China is taught in large groups around a set sport and using a formal structure. The new UCLan degree teaches different academic approaches and looks to improve key knowledge of a variety of physical activities.

The new course is being led by Nick Passenger, who is UCLan’s academic lead for sport, physical education and the outdoors. Along with programme manager Dr David Grecic, the two fly out monthly to oversee and quality assure the provision.

Nick said: “The course mirrors the successful programme at our Preston campus, which aims to create teachers who have the knowledge to deliver physical education in a way that will develop pupils holistically. It is less focused on specific sports, as has often been the way in China, and instead teaches students to use a range of techniques to keep their class active, motivated and provided with the opportunity for long term participation.”

This new way of teaching ties in with China’s push to improve health across its population at a time when obesity levels are at an all-time high.