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Physical Education

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Curriculum Vision

Curriculum Learning Journey

Curriculum Reading Journey

Summary of Study at each Key Stage

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3 pupils have four hours of PE over the two week timetable and are taught in single sex classes by specialist PE teachers. In Year 7 they are taught in mixed ability groups and are then streamed in Years 8 & 9. Pupils have approximately blocks of 6 lessons on one activity and we ensure a balance across all the Physical Education strands.

The aim of the Core PE programme is to develop physical literacy, character traits such as determination, resilience, commitment and life skills including communication, organisation and leadership. To achieve this, pupils are assessed on their physical, cognitive and social skills and are supported in their development and understanding of health and fitness (We refer to these as their Head Heart and Hands objectives). Whilst it may seem strange not to focus on specific sporting outcomes, we have found over the last decade that sporting ability improves quicker if the base elements (which are the pillars of talent development) are focussed on rather than specific skills. For example – Objectives are switched to holistic development such as the ability to observe and feedback, rather than grade a pupil on their ability to do a handspring in gymnastics or a smash in badminton. This method means that pupils can have individual targets and can be challenged more accurately. As a result, they can make progress in every lesson, no matter their skill level or past experience. By taking this approach we have found that the pupils have better engagement and a positive time with us. Importantly we have found that with this method their ability and skills improve quicker than with the traditional ‘coaching’ method of delivery. The pupils’ overall experience with us in PE is an enjoyable and positive one.

Key Stage 4

Through enjoyable, engaging, challenging yet accessible PE lessons we strive to support the pupils to be the best that they can be. On their journey with us they will develop their core skills, fitness, confidence, leadership skills, character and an understanding of health & wellbeing. All pupils will be guided and supported in finding a pathway to lifelong participation or excellence in sport and physical activity. We follow an adapted Sport Education model. Pupils remain in single sex groups but are in mixed ability classes. Activities are taught in blocks of 3 to 4 lessons. The quick change of activity ensures that all pupils get to do something that they have a passion for and support those who have less experience. Pupils really enjoy this time with us and regularly comment on fond memories when they visit the school after they have left.

In Year 10 pupils have five lessons over two weeks three of which are theory and two which will vary between practical activities and coursework. The biggest challenge for the practical part of the course is level required for the higher grades. Most pupils can do well in one and possibly two sports but the third sport is often a challenge. As a school we support them in badminton and table tennis and put on extra sessions at lunch-time and after school exclusively for the candidates. In Year 11 the pupils have three hours of theory and one hour for coursework over two weeks. The coursework consists of coaching aspects and theoretical application, 14 hours are allowed for its completion.

Programme of Study GCSE

The recent changes in the GCSE specification have altered the style of the course in that the theory is now the key element and the practical and coursework are supplementary. This gives the course a sports science focus rather than sporting. As a school we follow the AQA course. There are two theory papers at the end of the course. Paper 1 is on physiology and biomechanics and Paper 2 covers sport psychology and the sociology of sport. For the coursework pupils assess their own ability in their preferred sport in relation to skills and the components of fitness. They also create a training programme to improve one skill and assess the movement of the skill. For the practical all sports must be played competitively and a results sheet for the two years submitted. From the published list pupils must do one team and one individual sport and an additional one from either list.

Key Stage 5

We are very proud of our A-Level offering, pupils regularly go on to study sport related subjects at university and we have a well-trodden path to places such as Loughborough and Bath universities, in recent years students have started to take up scholarships to America. The course consists of three main strands and a practical/coursework element. All the teachers majored in their field of delivery thus offering the students the best support available. We have also built a relationship with the University of Greenwich Sports Science Department and take students there to experience the practical side of the theory in their state of the art laboratories. Pupils in Year 12 & 13 get one lesson a day in one of the topic areas.

Programme of Study A-Level

The main area of study is Component 01: Physical factors affecting performance. Students gain a deeper understanding of key systems in the body and how they react to changes in diet and exercise. They also study the effects of force and motion on the body and how they can be used to our advantage. There are three topics: Applied anatomy and physiology; Exercise physiology; Biomechanics. Component 02 covers psychological factors affecting performance. Students study the models and theories that affect learning and performance in physical activities, how different methods of training and feedback work and why their effectiveness differs from person to person. They also explore the psychological factors that affect group dynamics and the effects of leadership and stress. There are two topics: Skill acquisition and Sports psychology. Component 03 is the study of Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport. This component focuses on the social and cultural factors that have shaped sports over time, and their influences on physical activity. Students consider the impact of hosting a global sporting event such as the Olympic Games, and the influence of modern technology on both the performer and the spectator of contemporary sport. There are two topics Sport and society and Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport. Component 04 is the practical and coursework element. Students are assessed in the role of either performer or coach in one practical activity. They are required to demonstrate effective performance, the use of tactics or techniques and the ability to observe the rules and conventions under applied conditions. For the coursework students are also assessed in the Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI). They observe a live or recorded performance by a peer and provide an oral analysis and critical evaluation of their peer’s performance. The responsibility for practical development is the responsibility of the student, but we support where the sports are offered as part of the extra-curricular programme.

Curriculum information Core PE

In Key Stage 5 Year 12 have a number of sporting options on the enrichment curriculum. Students will opt for a particular activity or pathway that best suits their interest and goals. Some options include Gym, Badminton, Korfball, Football & Free Weights Training. It is important for us as a school to offer recreation time for the pupils once a week.

Through enjoyable, engaging, challenging yet accessible sessions we strive to support the pupils to be the best that they can be. On their journey with us they will develop their core skills, fitness, confidence, leadership skills, character and an understanding of health & wellbeing. All pupils will be guided and supported in finding a pathway to lifelong participation or excellence in sport and physical activity.

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

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