PE
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.
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. They work tactically and develop leadership skills in areas of their choosing.
PE allows pupils to master skills in specific sports through enrichment and allows pupils to compete against other local 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 with progression through motor skills, rules, strategies and tactics and the promotion of healthy participation.
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 has on improving physical, mental and social well-being. We embed fundamental skills (running, jumping, throwing, balance, coordination) through a variety of sporting activities. Pupils will grow in knowledge and experience of games (netball, badminton, rounders, basketball etc.) and in gymnastics, trampolining and creative movement. Pupils will also learn leadership skills including the ability to officiate sporting matches.
Pupils will experience competitive sports and performance in a variety of House competitions and Summer sports day 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.
We link sports to sporting events in our learning, for example, Wimbledon to tennis, FIFA World Cup to football, athletics to the Olympics, and games included in the Commonwealth Games.
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 sports for lifelong participation and developing a healthy, active lifestyle.
All students follow a varied programme of activities, designed to improve their personal skill level, develop their fitness and focus on wellbeing. Where possible, outside coaches will come in to deliver these sessions.
Students have the opportunity to undertake OCR Cambridge Nationals Sport Studies Level 1/2 award/certificate. The qualification is aimed at those who have a keen interest in sport and the applications of sport in wider scenarios. Within this they study a range of practical activities as well as units on sport in the media and contemporary issues in sport.
Enrichment
PE offers a vast array of subject-specific enrichment clubs and the faculty organise a range of educational visits throughout the year.
PE offers ‘have-a-go’ style clubs and enrichment in the mornings, as well as competitive opportunities and teams. Pupils can take part in school-wide competitions through the house system and in lessons, as well as representing the school in local and national competitions and leagues.
The faculty also offer a range of additional qualifications and awards which we encourage all students to apply for:
Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) – In Year 9 and 10 students have the opportunity to undertake their Bronze or Silver DofE Award. This is a nationally recognised qualification that allows students to undertake a Skill, Physical Activity and Volunteering for an extended period of time, allowing them to push themselves outside of their comfort zone and try something new. The award culminates in an expedition, where students work in groups to navigate the countryside.
Level 2 Qualification in Community Sports Leaders – Students learn about leadership skills required for sport including the five employability skills of:
- Communication
- Self-belief
- Teamwork
- Self-management
- Problem-solving
They must undertake a minimum of 5 hours demonstration of leadership, lead an activity session to their peers and run a school event. It is a fantastic, nationally recognised qualification.
Level 2 Qualification in Leadership Skills – Students learn about a range of leadership skills and abilities, including the five employability skills listed above. They have the option to be specialists in Science, English or Mathematics. The Level 2 qualification is a nationally recognised, and well-considered qualification.
Careers
A good grade in Sport Studies will allow pupils to choose A Levels or vocational qualifications to study after Year 11. 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
Useful resources
The following may be helpful resources in understanding the range of activities covered at Key Stage Three and Key Stage Four:
Netball – www.simplenetball.co.uk
Basketball – https://youtu.be/XbtmGKif7Ck
Gymnastics – 37 Essential Gymnastics Moves, Explained: Gymnastics Skills List – 2022 – MasterClass
Badminton – https://youtu.be/UyLIi-TbcFc