Rebecca Foster MBE
Principal Lecturer for Adapted Physical Education
School of Sport and Exercise Science
Academics
email: r.foster@worc.ac.uk
tel: 01905 542183
Rebecca Foster MBE has been teaching PE predominantly in the North of England for over 20 years. Rebecca was Head of PE of one of the first six Sports Colleges in the country. After 7 years of teaching she backpacked the World and did some temporary teaching in Australia and South Africa. After her year out Rebecca continued to teach in Yorkshire, managing one of the largest Sports Partnerships in the country. Rebecca then went on to become a Teacher Fellow at Leeds Beckett University, where she taught Initial Teacher Training programmes for Secondary and Primary trainees.
Rebecca competed for our country in the Heptathlon (when she was much younger!) and holds a Level 2 multi-event license. She volunteered for UK Deaf Athletics for 12 years, being Team Manager and travelling coach at three Deaflympics. She currently is a trustee for Deaf Direct based in Worcester and is a support worker for a few hours a month to vulnerable young people.
As a further accolade, Rebecca has been awarded an MBE in recognition for her services to inclusive sport and supporting young people to achieve their potential.
Qualifications:
- Masters in Physical Education, Leeds Beckett University (2012)
- Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Teaching and Learning), Leeds Beckett University (2012)
- B.Ed. (Hons) Physical Education and Personal and Social Health Education, Leeds Beckett University (1994)
- University of Worcester Leading Teaching Award 2016
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
- British Sign Language (Level 1 and 2)
Teaching & Research
Teaching Interests:
Rebecca has taught across all year groups, but her current modules are:
- SPRT1030 Introduction to Physical Education
- SPRT1017 Fundamentals of Athletics in Schools
- SPRT1027 Adapted Physical Activity, Sport and Disability
- SPRT2011 School Based Learning
- SPRT2040 Learning and Teaching in Physical Education
- SPRT2042 Teaching Special Education Needs and Disability Physical Education in schools
- SPRT3001 Independent Study supervisor
- SPRT3041 Advanced Disability and Sport
Research Interests:
The use of inclusive technology for all learners.
ESRC AHRC UK-Japan SSH Connections Grant, 'Building Japanese research capacity around disability studies and sport to positively impact the lives of people with disabilities 2020 and beyond’.
Publications
Foster, R., Fitzgerald, H. and Stride, A. (2018) The Socialization and Participation of Deaflympians in Sport. Sport in Society, 9, 1-16.
The Worcester Way, An Inclusive Approach to Physical Education and Sport (2017), The University of Worcester, Worcester.
The Busy Lecturer’s Guide to Inclusive Practice Booklet (2016).
Foster, R. (2016) Hearing the Deaf Perspective of Physical Education. Physical Education Matters, 11 (1), 34-37.
Foster, R. (2013) Is there an Olympic Legacy for Deaf Athletes? Physical Education Matters. 8 (2), 16-18.
Flintoff, A., Foster, R. and Wystawnoha, S. (2011) Promoting and sustaining high quality physical education and school sport through school sport partnerships. European Physical Education Review, 17 (1), 341-351.
Barlow S. and Foster, R. (2011) School swimming and teacher training - a new approach to quality provision. Primary Physical Education Matters, 6 (2), 18-1.
External Responsibilities
National Trainer for Sainsbury's Inclusive Kids for All initiative.
External Examiner for University of Sunderland.
Trustee of Deaf Direct.
Support Worker for Doves Care.
Achievements:
Awarded MBE in 2018 for inclusive work and services to young people.
Microsoft Educator (2018).
Nominated for 'Coach of the Year' 2014 by Deaf Sports Personality of the Year Awards.