Interview with Kieran Wash – PE Instructor at FHHS

In today’s interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Kieran Wash, a dedicated Physical Education Instructor at Fountain Head House School. With over six years of experience, Kieran is passionate about promoting fitness, teamwork, and well-being among the pupils. We will be discussing his journey into teaching, how he keeps PE engaging, and the positive impact it has on pupils. 

- Firstly, I would like to talk about your journey and what inspired you to become a PE Instructor? What do you enjoy most about working with pupils? 

- From a young age, I have always been passionate about sports, and I can trace that passion back to primary school, where I had an inspiring PE teacher, Mr. Paul. His enthusiasm and energy in every lesson ignited a love for sport in me that has lasted to this day. I still remember how exciting and different each lesson was. Mr. Paul challenged us, pushed us out of our comfort zones, and made everything so much fun. At just eight years old, I turned to my dad and said, "I want to be like Mr. Paul. I want to be a teacher." 

- Fast forward to today, and I am living that dream. I am proud to be part of the founding staff at Fountain Head House School, where I have been working since 2021. With over six years of experience in Physical Education, I am dedicated to giving back to my local community by inspiring students to develop a love for fitness and well-being. As Lead Sports Instructor, I focus on promoting physical health, teamwork, and personal growth in every lesson. It is my goal to motivate students to lead active, healthy lives while having fun along the way. 

- What I enjoy most about my role is the positive energy and creativity that the pupils bring each day. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and it inspires me and my colleagues to give our best every single day. Being part of their journey is truly rewarding, and I am excited for what the future holds. 

- How do you make PE exciting and enjoyable for all students, including those who might not usually be as interested in physical activity? 

- I adjust activities to meet different skill levels and ensure every student feels valued, providing equal opportunities for success. I have created a bespoke physical education curriculum specifically tailored for the pupils at Fountain Head House School. This curriculum is designed to accommodate the diverse needs of the students, ensuring that each individual can thrive and enjoy physical education in their own way. For example, I offer modifications to exercises, create personalized challenges, and always celebrate progress, no matter how big or small. My goal is to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels confident and motivated to participate. 

- Can you walk us through what a typical PE session looks like? Are there any particular games or exercises that pupils tend to love the most? 

- I am a physical education teacher who believes in the power of structure and adaptability in my classes. While the structure of each session may vary depending on the activity or the group, I always stick to a core fundamental session shape; 

1. Pulse-raiser Warm-Up Activity: This is a fun way to get everyone moving and ready for the physical activity to come. 

2. Lesson Objectives: I clearly outline what the students are expected to learn and accomplish during the session. 

3. Main Activity: The core of the lesson where students focus on developing new or refining existing technical skills. 

4. Challenge Period: This part encourages students to apply their skills under pressure, whether that means time constraints or working with others. 

5. Cool Down and Review: Wrapping up with a cool down, revisiting the objectives, and reflecting on what they have learned. 

   
   

- This year, the pupils have absolutely loved our new tagging games – Mosquito Tag and Octopus Tag. These games have brought so much energy and excitement to our PE sessions, and it's been so much fun watching the pupils get more and more involved as the weeks go on. 

- How do you believe PE influences pupils beyond just physical fitness? Do you see it helping with their behaviour, social skills, or even their academic performance? 

- My experience with physical education has had a profoundly positive impact on my behaviour, social skills, and academic performance. Growing up, I was always involved in physical activities, which helped me develop self-discipline and resilience. I noticed that being active gave me a sense of structure and purpose, making me more focused and motivated in other aspects of life. 

- Physically engaging in PE also improved my ability to manage stress. On days when I felt overwhelmed with schoolwork or personal challenges, a good workout or team game would clear my mind and boost my mood. This led to more balanced and productive behaviour in both school and at home, helping me stay calm and composed in difficult situations. 

- Socially, physical education played a huge role in building my teamwork and communication skills. Working with others in a team setting taught me how to cooperate, resolve conflicts, and lead by example. It also opened doors to meeting new people, creating friendships that I might not have formed otherwise. These interactions made me more confident in social settings, not just within sports but also in classroom discussions and group activities. 

- Academically, the benefits were just as evident. I found that after engaging in physical activities, my ability to concentrate in class improved. PE gave me the mental break I needed to stay sharp, and I started to notice better grades and performance in my studies. The physical exercise stimulated my brain, making it easier to absorb information and stay engaged in lessons. Overall, physical education has been a key factor in my personal development, teaching me essential life skills that extend beyond the classroom or gym, aspects I wish to pass onto the pupils in my lessons. 

To conclude, Kieran’s passion for teaching goes beyond fitness. He focuses on building confidence, teamwork, and resilience in his pupils. His personalised approach to PE helps students thrive physically and personally, leaving a positive and lasting impact at Fountain Head House School. Looking ahead, Kieran’s work will continue to inspire pupils to lead healthy, active lives and embrace personal growth, carrying these valuable lessons with them throughout their lives.