Physical Education
Physical Education Curriculum Overview
The Physical Education curriculum aims to develop confident, physically literate, and healthy young people who enjoy participating in physical activity and sport. Students build practical skills, tactical understanding, leadership qualities, resilience, teamwork, and knowledge of fitness and healthy lifestyles through a broad and balanced programme of study.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Students experience a wide range of activities designed to develop fundamental movement skills, sport-specific techniques, tactical awareness, and physical fitness. Throughout Key Stage 3, students participate in:
Invasion games including football, rugby, basketball and netball
Racket sports such as badminton and tennis
Athletics including running, jumping and throwing events
Striking and fielding activities including rounders and cricket-based skills
Dance units exploring different styles, cultures, musicals and choreography
Health-related fitness, training methods and fitness testing
Leadership, officiating and performance evaluation opportunities
As students progress through Years 7 to 9, learning develops from basic skill acquisition and coordination to more advanced tactical play, performance analysis and competitive application.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11) Core PE
Students continue to develop practical performance across a range of sports while deepening their knowledge of fitness and personal performance. Areas studied include:
Team and individual sports
Advanced tactical awareness and game strategies
Officiating and leadership skills
Outdoor and adventurous activities
Dance and creative movement
Physical fitness and training programmes
Components of fitness and exercise intensity
Communication, teamwork and problem solving
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning through planning, leading and evaluating performance in increasingly challenging contexts.
BTEC Sport
Students undertaking BTEC Sport develop both practical and theoretical knowledge through coursework and externally assessed units. Topics include:
Components of fitness
Physical and skill-related fitness
Rules, regulations and officiating
Training methods and programme design
Technology in sport
Benefits of physical activity
Leadership and coaching skills
Fitness testing and performance improvement
The course develops analytical, organisational and communication skills while preparing students for further study and employment within the sport and leisure industry.
Key Stage 5
Students studying Sport at Key Stage 5 explore the scientific principles that underpin performance. Areas include:
Skeletal and muscular systems
Movement analysis
Joint structure and function
Muscle fibre types
Training adaptations
Sports performance and practical application
Research and independent investigation
Students develop advanced subject knowledge alongside critical thinking, analysis and evaluation skills required for higher education and sport-related careers.
Enrichment
The curriculum is enhanced through extracurricular clubs, inter-house competitions, school fixtures, leadership opportunities and activities that promote lifelong participation in sport and physical activity. Students are encouraged to represent the school, develop personal excellence and embrace healthy, active lifestyles.