Students on the four-year Physical Education (Qualified Teacher Status) degree and the PGCE in Secondary Physical Education helped organise the annual Bedfordshire and Luton Schools’ AA Combined Events Championships.

Presiding over almost 200 athletes from over 20 schools, University students got the chance to officiate, record results, time keep and, ultimately, judge podium positions.

Senior Lecturer in Physical Education at the University, Mark Bowler, who managed the competition, explained the importance of the experience on the road to creating qualified PE teachers:

“The event was a great success and the student teachers worked really hard to make sure it ran smoothly.

“It is fantastic experience for them to run such an important event and I was pleased with their professionalism and enthusiasm.

“I’d also like to thank all the boys and girls from the schools taking part in this year’s Championships, with such enthusiasm and good spirit.”

Third-year Physical Education (QTS) student Tom Sapsford added:

“Leading the combined event competition was an excellent opportunity. This is because it allowed me to experience the officiating of a range of athletic competitions and put the knowledge and understanding developed in lectures into practice.

“In addition to this, it provided further experience of working with pupils that I will be teaching in the future.”

Juniors and intermediates from schools such as Bedford Modern, Margaret Beaufort and Lea Manor took part in the one-day event, with activities ranging from the javelin to the 1500m.

For more information or a copy of the results, please contact mark.bowler@beds.ac.uk