Kirsty Harding

Kirsty Harding is a Senior Lecturer at St Mary's University, specializing in Physical Education. She currently serves as the subject/course leader for the Secondary PGCE PE program and previously coordinated the final years of the BA (Hons) ITE Physical Education undergraduate degree. Her career began at Hayes School in Bromley, progressing to roles such as Head of Girls’ PE and Head of Department at Longford Community School in Feltham, culminating in Professional Tutor responsibilities there.

Educated at Exeter University, Kirsty completed an MA in 2010 with an action research focus on creative pedagogical practices. Her research emphasizes innovation in teaching methods and shapes the design of the PGCE PE curriculum. She actively contributes to the London Regional Association for Physical Education (AfPE) and serves on the England Handball Workforce Advisory group.

Kirsty’s key interests include adapted physical activity, mentor training, and collaborative university-school partnerships. Her work integrates practical and theoretical approaches to enhance teaching practices in physical education.