Physical Education

Why study PE?

In PE, pupils are offered a unique platform where they can promote their physical development and well-being. PE allows pupils to strive and excel through varied sporting experiences and helps develop confidence, social skills and leadership opportunities. 

Our intent is to provide all pupils with the opportunity to learn and enhance their physical skills to become more competent and confident and expert in their techniques and learning through an inclusive, broad and balanced curriculum. To offer distinct opportunities for pupils to develop physical competences, which promotes and encourages confidence, instils teamwork and develop students’ character. This is pivotal to establishing a positive culture around physical education, which inspires pupils’ physical and mental wellbeing to encourage pupils to lead healthy active lifestyles and lifelong participation. 

Throughout PE, pupils are able to explore, identify and evaluate their own experiences in sport and gain the confidence they need to be part of a team, work tactically and develop the skills needed to become leaders in chosen areas. PE allows pupils to master in specific sports through enrichment and allows pupils to compete against other schools. PE allows pupils to improve their mental, social, and physical health by offering pupils a broader curriculum and enrichment clubs. The curriculum is designed based on the three pillars of progression through motor skills (Hands), rules, strategies and tactics (Head) and the promotion of healthy participation (Heart). 

How will I study PE?

Pupils study PE through both declarative and procedural knowledge. The curriculum is sequenced to maximise the pupils to know and do more in PE. Progression of knowledge is built over time from simple to complex through a range of physical activities and sports. Activities are selected for pupils to recall prior knowledge and apply similarities and differences between selected activities. 

What will I study at Key Stage 3?

Pupils will study a wide range of physical activities in KS3. They will learn the importance sports and activities has on improving physical, mental and social well-being. We embed fundamental skills (running, jumping, throwing, agility, balance and coordination) through a variety of sporting activities. Pupils will grow in knowledge and experience of games  (football, handball, netball, table tennis, badminton, basketball, rugby, cricket and rounders) and in gymnastics, dance, creative movement  and athletics Pupils will also learn leadership skills including the ability to officiate sporting activities. 

Pupils will experience competitive sports and performance through extra-curricular activities and enrichment in which they compete against other schools and also in Summer sports days and through competitive game experience. They will learn about how their body adapts and changes (long and short term) due to physical activity. They will understand basic theory (muscles, bones, components of fitness) and apply this knowledge practically. 

The study of outdoor adventurous activities helps to develop their problem-solving skills, communication and language skills, decision-making, risk-taking, teamwork, social and leadership skills. 

Throughout KS3, students will also have the opportunity to get involved in Sports Leadership Programme in which they will develop their confidence and leadership skills through a range of activities and supporting enrichment within the school. Students will also receive a UK Sports Leadership Certificate for their participation throughout the programme.

What will I study at Key Stage 4?

In Physical Education in KS4 Core, we build upon the skills learnt during KS3 and focus on games for understanding in which pupils will continue to develop their physical and cognitive skills to promote lifelong participation in physical activity and sport.  

Pupils who opt to study GCSE PE will study 3 sports in depth, developing their knowledge and understanding through practical involvement. They will enjoy the opportunity to improve their healthy active lifestyle by creating and following a PEP (Personal Exercise Programme), which in turn will improve their performance. Pupils will investigate the theory of applied anatomy and physiology, movement analysis, physical training and the use of data to improve performance. Pupils will also look at the wider context of sport on socio-cultural influences and sports psychology. 

Assessment at Key Stage 4

GCSE PE EDEXCEL 1PE0

Assessment at Key Stage 4

Cambridge National- Level 2 Sports Studies

Enrichment

PE offers subject-specific enrichment clubs in which pupils have the opportunity to take part in activities that are not on the curriculum.  The faculty will also organise a range of educational visits throughout the year for students to gain a wider understanding and experience of Physical Education.
 
PE offers ‘have-a-go’ style clubs and enrichment, as well as competitive opportunities and teams. Pupils can take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the school in local and national competitions and leagues. Extra-curricular activities at lunchtime and after school will be structured and lead by staff and sports leaders. 

Careers

A good grade in PE will allow pupils to choose A Levels (or a Level 3 BTEC course in Sports) and further study that could eventually lead to a career within the sporting industry.  It will also show that you have a broader range of skills, both physically and socially. 

Physical education lends itself to a range of careers in sports and fitness as well as other industries that you may not have considered before. For example, did you know that many nutritionists, physical therapists and chiropractors have a degree in PE? Some careers that you could consider doing with PE include: 

• Sports science 
• PE teacher 
• Physiotherapist 
• Professional sportsperson 
• Sports coach/consultant 

• Sports policy at local and national level 
• Diet and fitness instructor 
• Personal trainer 

The BTEC Level 3 National in Sports will give learners practice in developing employability skills. the learner will develop skills in the following three main categories: 

• cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology 
• intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation 
• interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development. 

These employability skills will support learners in a wide variety of jobs. Specifically, this course will develop skills and knowledge that will allow progression into careers such as sports medicine, physiotherapy, sports science, biomechanics, personal trainer/fitness instructor, PE teacher, professional sportsperson, sports media and many more. 

Useful Resources and Revision Support

• BBC Bitesize
• Kaboodle
• Seneca Learning