UCLan to host free public lecture on how to better understand our bodies

22 January 2024

Richard Whall’s talk will take place on 15 February in Greenbank Lecture Theatre

Members of the public will be able to attend a free lecture on the importance of physical education at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) on 15 February.

Presented by human movement Lecturer Richard Whall – the event will focus on ‘igniting discussion’ around human movement and how we can better understand ourselves in relation to the world around us.

The lecture will share ideas examples of how physical intelligence is much more than being good at sport, and the implications this may have for physical education within and beyond school.

Richard, who is based in UCLan’s School of Health, Social Work and Sport, said: “You likely remember PE from school, but would you consider yourself physically educated?

“What if there is intelligence beyond the narrow focus on the mind, a physical intelligence that allows you to understand yourself in relation to the world around you and your resourcefulness to adapt to or solve problems through movement, both movement of the body and movement within the body.

"This lecture explores the concept of physical intelligence and what it means to be physically educated"

Richard Whall, human movement lecturer

“What if there is intelligence beyond the narrow focus on the mind, a physical intelligence that allows you to understand yourself in relation to the world around you and your resourcefulness to adapt to or solve problems through movement, both movement of the body and movement within the body.

“Practical, embodied intelligence may be the deepest, oldest, most fundamental, and most important form of intelligence, yet modern education continues to emphasise the mind. This lecture explores the concept of physical intelligence and what it means to be physically educated.”

The former primary school teacher and personal trainer is currently researching the meaning of being physically educated through the lens of physical intelligence as a PhD topic.

The lecture, for people aged 16 and older, will take place in Greenbank Lecture Theatre. It begins at 6.30pm and will be followed by a 15-minute question and answer session.

Free tickets are available online now.

The aim of UCLan’s public lectures is to provide a melting pot of thought from a range of diverse backgrounds for students, professionals or people simply seeking knowledge.