Physical fitness is not only one of the keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”
– John F. Kennedy
Physical Education
Our physical education curriculum provides pupils with an introduction to the essential knowledge that they need to think, speak and perform like an athlete. It instils confidence and introduces students to the best physical and mental human achievments.
Mrs S Morrin
Head of Physical Education
A high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities. It should provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as courage, confidence, fairness and respect.
It has been carefully designed and delivered to:
- encourage all pupils to actively engage in physical activity, showing an understanding of the importance of exercise in leading a healthy lifestyle.
- encourage core values including independence, resilience, integrity, leadership and cohesion, demonstrating an understanding of how such values can impact on life outside school.
- develop confidence and self-esteem through the mastery of skill, leading to a positive experience of physical activity.
Assessment in Physical Education is based on three pillars of progression that will develop physical competence in a range of sports and activities:
- Healthy Hearts: Knowledge of the benefits of pursuing an active lifestyle and engaging in safe and effective physical activities.
- Tactical Minds: Knowledge of a range of rules, strategies and tactics in different sports.
- Skilful Bodies: Motor competence in a variety of specific sports and physical activities.
Year 7, 8 and 9 Curriculum Content
The content of the PE curriculum has been carefully selected to give a broad experience of a range of different activities to cater for the needs and talents of all students. We recognise that we are all different; introverted, extroverted, competitive or passive. In PE, it is important that all students find an activity that they enjoy and can thrive in. We offer a mixture of competitive team games with individual sports such as orienteering, fitness and trampolining. We take into consideration the activities that are most popular and those which contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle.
| Year 7 | Unit/Topic |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Orienteering, Rugby, Badminton and Netball |
| Spring | Trampolining, Fitness and Football |
| Summer | Athletics and Rounders |
| Year 8 | Unit/Topic |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Football, Basketball, Badminton, Handball and Rugby |
| Spring | Trampolining, Fitness and Dodgeball |
| Summer | Athletics and Rounders |
| Year 9 | Unit/Topic |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Football, Basketball and Badminton |
| Spring | Trampolining, Fitness, Dodgeball and Volleyball |
| Summer | Athletics and Softball |
Year 10 and 11 Curriculum Content
GCSE
For those students who choose to take Sport Studies as an option in Years 10 and 11, we offer opportunities to advance their skills in one individual and one team sport, develop leadership skills through the planning and delivering a sport session, take part in outdoor pursuits and study contemporary issues in sport.
| Year 10 Core | Unit/Topic |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Unit 1: Effective Sports Leadership |
| Autumn | Unit 2: Safety Requirements in a Coaching Session |
| Autumn | Unit 3: Skills and Techniques in a Sporting Activity |
| Autumn | Unit 4: Support Improvement in a Sporting Activity |
| Spring | Unit 5: Exploring a Range of Contemporary Issues in Sport |
| Spring | Unit 6: Planning, Delivering and Analysing a Sports Activity Session |
| Spring | Unit 7: Skills and Techniques in a Sporting Activity: Football and Netball |
| Summer | Unit 8: Exploring a Range of Contemporary Issues in Sport |
| Summer | Unit 9: Knowledge and Skills in Outdoor Activities |
| Year 11 | Unit/Topic |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Unit 1: Officiate in a Sporting Activity |
| Autumn | Unit 2: Revision - Contemporary Issues in Sport |
| Spring | Unit 3: Revision - Contemporary Issues in Sport |
| Summer | Unit 4: Revision - Contemporary Issues in Sport |
Core
In Key Stage 4, we aim to focus on fewer activities to cover them in more depth. We encourage pupils to see PE lessons as a chance to relax and unwind in the stressful environment of school with examinations impending. Choices are given in lessons and focus is mainly on leadership skills, playing and performing.
| Year 10 Core | Unit/Topic |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Unit 1: Badminton, Volleyball and Football |
| Spring | Unit 2: Trampolining, Fitness and Football |
| Summer | Unit 3: Striking and Fielding Games |
| Year 11 | Unit/Topic |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Unit 1: Badminton, Volleyball and Football |
| Spring | Unit 2: Trampolining, Fitness and Football |
| Summer | Unit 3: Striking and Fielding Games |
KS5
Key Stage 4 Sport students follow the Cambridge National Sport Studies specification. For further details, please follow the link below.
Please click on the logos below to visit Physical Education-specific materials and resources.
- BBC Bitesize KS3:
- BBC Bitesize KS4:
- Oak National Academy:
Please click on the First Careers logo to visit their website.
A Student’s View
Studying a level 3 course gave me the skills and confidence I needed to progress into a career within the sports industry. The course enabled me to explore and provide opportunities for a variety of jobs.
Sophie graduated in 2021 and is currently undertaking a PGCE course which will lead to a career as a PE teacher.
