PACE!
P.A.C.E. = Participate, Achieve, Challenge, Excel
In Physical Education, the pace of a lesson can make all the difference between high engagement and low-level disruption. When pupils are constantly active, motivated, and challenged appropriately, behaviour improves naturally, and every learner feels involved. That’s where P.A.C.E. — Participate, Achieve, Challenge, Excel — becomes more than just a slogan; it’s a framework for success in every PE lesson.
Why Lesson PACE Matters in Physical Education
A well-paced PE lesson keeps energy high, transitions smooth, and engagement consistent. When the tempo of a lesson drops, inactive pupils often disengage, leading to barriers to participation and reduced pupil motivation in PE. On the other hand, a lesson that moves with rhythm and structure supports positive health and wellbeing in PE, fosters teamwork, and improves overall school sport participation.
How PE PRO Helps Teachers Keep P.A.C.E.
The PE PRO platform is designed to help teachers maintain the perfect lesson pace through a structured approach built around the five pillars of a PE lesson:
Get Active – Start every session with energising movement to set the tone and get everyone involved from the first minute.
Athletic Development – Build physical literacy, coordination, and strength through progressive and inclusive activities.
Skill 1 – Introduce a focused skill that matches pupils’ current ability, ensuring success and confidence.
Skill 2 – Extend learning by layering in challenge and variety, encouraging students to achieve and excel.
Game – Apply learning in fun, competitive or cooperative contexts, developing decision-making and teamwork.
This structure ensures that every minute of a PE lesson is purposeful, varied, and engaging. Teachers can maintain momentum, minimise downtime, and maximise learning outcomes, all key ingredients for improving engagement and motivation.
Differentiation Through STEP
Every class includes a range of abilities and confidence levels, which can be a major barrier to participation. Using the STEP model - Space, Task, Equipment, and People, teachers can easily differentiate each activity to meet the needs of all pupils. Whether increasing space to reduce pressure, adjusting equipment for accessibility, or modifying rules to include everyone, the STEP framework ensures every learner can participate, challenge themselves, and achieve at their own level.
Inclusive Practice and SEND Adaptations
Inclusive PE isn’t just about access, it’s about belonging. PE PRO supports teachers with clear SEND adaptations, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability or additional need, can fully engage. By making lessons inclusive and adaptive, teachers not only promote health and wellbeing in PE, but also inspire lifelong participation in physical activity and sport.
The Result: Improving Engagement and Participation
When teachers manage lesson PACE effectively using PE PRO’s five pillars, pupils stay active, motivated, and invested in their learning. The result is clear:
Fewer low-level disruptions
Greater pupil motivation in PE
Increased confidence and competence in physical skills
More pupils enjoying and engaging in school sport participation
Ultimately, P.A.C.E. — Participate, Achieve, Challenge, Excel — is more than an acronym; it’s a teaching philosophy that helps every pupil find success in Physical Education. To try a lesson and test how P.A.C.E can positively affect your delivery, follow this link to an example lesson https://www.peproapp.com/lesson-example