Game Changers: How Student Voice Transforms School Communities, Part 1 (The PHE Canada Podcast, S2E2)

Welcome to the PHE Canada Podcast! This is the first episode in a two-part series about PHE Canada's Game Changers program. In this first episode, host Caleb Poulin is joined by Sherra Rogers, physical education teacher and Master of Education student at St. Francis Xavier University, along with PHE Canada’s Programs and Resources Lead, Kelsey Fahie, to discuss the research side of the Game Changers project. They explore how the program was studied, what the research process looked like and the key findings that emerged from the participating schools. 

Together, they unpack how Game Changers empowers students of all abilities to co-create inclusive physical activity opportunities in their schools. Drawing on research conducted across schools in multiple provinces, Sherra shares key findings from student and teacher interviews, highlighting the impact of student voice, leadership, belonging, and community connection on participation in physical activity.

Throughout the conversation, Sherra and Kelsey reflect on the power of giving students meaningful choice in their learning experiences and discuss how inclusive, student-centered programming can foster confidence, friendship, and engagement both inside and outside of school. They also explore what educators can learn from the Game Changers model and how its principles can be applied to physical education classes, intramural programs, and school communities more broadly.

This episode dives into conversations around:

• How the Game Changers program supports students of all abilities through inclusive, school-based physical activity experiences;
• Key research findings related to motivation, competence, leadership, friendship, and community engagement;
• The role of student voice and choice in creating meaningful and sustainable physical activity opportunities;
• Practical ways educators can build more inclusive programs that reach students who may not traditionally participate; and
• Resources and tools available to help schools implement student-centered, inclusive programming of their own.

As the conversation reminds us, some of the most impactful programs begin by simply asking students what they need, what they enjoy, and how they want to participate. When students are given the opportunity to lead, contribute, and belong, meaningful change can happen.

A special thank you to Sherra Rogers and Kelsey Fahie for sharing their experiences, insights, and passion for creating more inclusive and empowering physical activity opportunities for students across Canada.

Additional Resources:

• PHE Canada's Resource: School-Based Physical Activity Experiences for Students of All Abilities
• PHE Canada’s Student Centere Learning Toolkit
• Research Article: Game changers: school sport as a resource of hope for students with disabilities
• Research Article: Game Changers: Providing Equitable Sporting Opportunities for Students with Disabilities
• PHE Journal Article: 5 Educator Tips and Resources to Help You Support Students with Diverse Abilities