The rationale behind our curriculum design includes meeting the National Curriculum aims. Students have been introduced to the most current pedagogical thinking in Physical Education applied in an age-appropriate way to the three cornerstones of Head (cognitive application), Heart (character development) and Hands (physical application).

The curriculum we adopt is centred around how pupils achieve at the subject of PE and how this can prepare them in their future lives.

The 3 pillars of progression that we use to help every student achieve:

Motor competence – PE plays an important role in securing efficient and effective movement, whether this is functional (day to day) or sport specific movement. These are necessary to learn to participate in physical activities and in everyday life,

 

Rules, strategies and tactics –  the rules, strategies and tactics which are involved with different types of activity require explicit teaching through competitive elements. Tactics are the decisions our pupils will make about how, when and where to move and are closely related to motor competences as they are only successful if pupils can perform the necessary movement. Some physical activities do not have rules or tactics, but they do have strategies for success. This could be sequencing in gymnastics or RADS and choreographing in Dance. Rules are important to learn and adhere to just as rules in life are. Considering the British Value – rule of law, we expect our students to adhere to far play and keep within the rules of play to promote honesty, respect, fair play and excellence.

 

Healthy participation – The National Curriculum refers to pupils leading healthy, active lives.  This includes learning the importance of warming up and down, safe decisions (such as exercise intensity and rest), and developing understanding of the relationships between physical activity and its effect on the body. Pupils will be expected to be active participants in PE by brining kit and undertaking different levels of exercise that can contribute towards living and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Pupils at KS3 are set home learning in KS3 informing them on the theory of healthy participation so that they can move into KS4 making more informed choices about how to remain healthy and active.  

 

Activities we deliver and offer in core PE are:

 

• Invasion games; such as basketball, football, netball and Rugby
• Striking and fielding; such as softball, rounders & cricket
• Discovery lessons; such as Tchoukball, dodgeball, handball, pickleball
• Athletics; such as track and field events
• Outdoor adventure activities; such as orienteering
• Racket and net; such as badminton, tennis and pickleball
• Health related learning; such as Gym Based Exercise, fitness testing, circuit training, cross country
• Gymnastics; such as Acro gymnastics and floor routines
• Dance; such as street and theatre

 

 

Key stage 3 PE: Grouping and class dynamics

 

Key stage 3 classes are single sex and mixed ability. We offer a broad range of activities across the academic year and an extensive extra-curricular programme.

 

Key stage 4 classes are single sex and informed choices are made based on performance or participation pathway.

Performance pathway is encouraged for pupils opting GCSE PE and CNAT Sport Studies and can focus on the activities in their specification. Pupils are graded on their performance, which is skill related.

Participation pathway is encouraged to all pupils with a focus on being active and leading a healthy lifestyle. A broad range of activities are on offer across the curriculum promoting high levels of participation and healthy living.

Students in Y10 and Y11 will be involved (to some extent) in the selection process of their sporting activity, allowing them to make informed choices to leading a healthy and active lifestyle. All activities within the national curriculum are offered.