Physical Education

Why study PE?

Physical education inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. It provides 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 fairness and respect.

Pupils learn increasingly intelligent movement and important knowledge that can reduce barriers to participation and inform their own healthy, active lifestyle choices. PE provides a gateway into the world of sport and physical activity. Beyond physical participation, the traditions and cultural reference points associated with sport and physical activity are part of our shared heritage. Without being taught the language of sport and physical activity, pupils can miss out on an enriching aspect of our communal life.  Participation in physical activities makes ‘our lives go better, not just longer’ (Kretchmar).

There are three guiding elements which are brought to life in the PE curriculum:

Educational excellence: PE teachers ensure competence and confidence.  This is underpinned by the 3 pillars of progression: motor competence, rules, strategies and tactics; and healthy participation.

Character development: PE competence links with motivation. PE helps pupils to develop socially and emotionally. It encourages a healthy, active lifestyle that will enable pupils to go on to lead happy and fulfilled lives.

Service to communities: PE provides a gateway into the world of sport and physical activity. Beyond physical participation, the traditions and cultural reference points associated with sport and physical activity are part of our shared heritage. These are promoted and celebrated. Engaging in competitive sports is met with enthusiasm and glory.

How will I study PE?

Pupils will learn to:

• develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies to live healthy and physically active lives at school and for the rest of their life
• be physically active for sustained periods of time
• engage and energise pupils by building movement, competence and confidence (reduce obesity and increasing positive mental health).
• improve students’ performance, sharpen their knowledge of strategy and tactics, and help them to transfer knowledge from one context to another
• develop participation with challenge and competition by choice
• develop leadership and teamwork skills working cooperatively
• explores and develop decision-making and risk management thinking critically about movement and movement contexts
• communicate and signal effectively in basic and complex situations as an official

What will I study at Key Stage 3?

In year 7, pupils will perfect their locomotor skills, stability skills and manipulation skills. Pupils are explicitly taught rules, tactics and strategy through direct instruction and feedback. In addition, students will learn about the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle.

In year 8, pupils will have the opportunity to apply their locomotor skills through different physical activities. Pupils will consolidate and further develop motor skills/techniques relevant to each discipline. They will start to apply rules, tactics and strategies with intelligence and confidence. Pupils learn important facts about the human body/physical activities and how to perform appropriate activities for health benefits.

In year 9, pupils will have the opportunity to apply their locomotor skills through different physical activities in more complex environments. Pupils will further develop/begin to master the key motor skills and techniques for each sport/activity. They will apply the rules, tactics and strategy with intelligence and precision. Pupils learn important facts about the human body/physical activities and how to perform appropriate activities for health benefits.

What will I study at Key Stage 4?

In Physical Education in KS4 Core, we build upon the skills learnt during KS3 to further master the skills they have been learning and focus on sports for life. Pupils will tackle further demanding physical activities and sports, and pupils will look to promote an active, healthy lifestyle through developing a passion for sport.

Pupils can opt to study GCSE PE or NCFE Award in Health and Fitness.

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.

The NCFE level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Fitness is designed for learners who want an introduction to health and fitness that includes a vocational and project-based element.
The course focuses on physical health and fitness combined with a theoretical understanding of sporting performance and industries linked with sports.

The course covers 8 modules in unit 1; Skeletal System, Muscular System, Respiratory System, Cardiovascular System, Energy Systems, Effects of Health and Fitness activities on the body, Understanding health and fitness and the components of fitness, Understanding the principles of training. These units will be assessed with an exam.
Within Unit 2 Pupils complete a synoptic assessment, designing a suitable training program covering the following topics; Lifestyle Factors, Fitness Testing, Training Methods, Optimising a health and fitness program, Health and fitness analysis and goal setting, The structure of a health and fitness program’ Health and Safety.

Assessment

Internal assessments take place at regular intervals throughout both KS3 and KS4. Broadly, there are two types of assessment; fluency composite task and a composite test.

Composite fluency tasks are completed at the end of a topic and are used to check whether students are reaching curriculum related expectations.

Composite tests are used to assess the cumulative coverage of the curriculum and check whether learning is sticking over time and if students are reaching curriculum related expectations.

External Examinations

GCSE Physical Education
Examination board – Pearson/Edexcel

Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Fitness
Examination board – NCFE

Enrichment

PE offers 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, 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. Sporting equipment is available for pupils to borrow during lunchtime and break.

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

Useful resources and revision support

• BBC Bitesize
• brianmac.co.uk
• teachpe.co.uk
• Pearson Qualifications – Edexcel GCSE PE,
• getrevising.co.uk
• GCSE Simplified (website/Twitter)
• YouTube – GCSE PE related videos