Annette McLachlan

Research interests

In May 2026, Annette successfully passed her EdD, her thesis explored the contribution of Physical Education Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PEPCK) development in supporting primary pre-service teachers' learning to teach PE. 

Annette completed her MRES dissertation in 2021. She specialises in Primary Physical Education and has keen interest in developing trainee teachers Content and Pedagogical Content Knowledge within PE. Her MRES focussed on developing an observational tool to assist in measuring enacted PEPCK whilst observing trainee teachers teaching Primary PE lessons. She also completed her MA in Education at Roehampton University in 2015, her MA dissertation focussed on what constitutes effective CPD for primary teachers in PE.

Her research interests include Primary Physical Education, effective forms of CPD, Pedagogical Content Knowledge and professional Knowledge development.

Recent publications:

Scholarly biography

Annette is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Education. She delivers across breadth of modules that focus on theoretical and practical delivery for PE. She is Module lead for five modules and ensures the modules are planned effectively and organises staff to lead lectures and marking. Annette has also co-ordinated and lead on the introduction of two new modules that can be offered as an optional module to those studying PE. Both of these modules focus on delivering Primary PE and offer students an insight in how to teach Primary PE through a holistic, whole child focussed approach. Annette has been an External Examiner for Manchester Metropolitan University and has provided feedback to the course leader for their PGCE Secondary PE programme for four years 2015 -2018.

Approach to teaching

Annette is committed to the provision of high-quality teaching and learning opportunities for all HE students, and for those following vocational pathways into formal and informal education settings includes the development of pedagogic practice that enables [our] students to enhance the learning of others.

Annette’s teaching in HE takes a student-centred approach that prioritises connectedness that supports students in understanding and the and application of theoretical and practical knowledge in diverse ways and contexts. She strongly believes in the importance of creating a positive learning and teaching environment to enhance student engagement and learning. She actively encourages students to share their ideas for good practices and offers her own ideas/resources to share amongst her students.

Prior to employment at the University of Brighton, Annette spent three years working at the University of Roehampton delivering on their Primary BA, Sports coaching BSC and Secondary PE PGCE programmes. Prior to working in HE, Annette gained 10-years’ experience working in secondary education as a PE teacher, School Sports Co-ordinator, and Partnership Development Manger for Islington school’s sports partnership. It was through her role as an SSCo and PDM that she discovered her love for teaching Primary PE and set her off on a path to researching and promoting effective practice for teaching high quality Primary PE.