PE

Intent

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, students build on the skills and knowledge developed in earlier years, becoming more competent, confident, and skilled across a range of sports and physical activities. They learn what makes a performance effective and apply these principles to their own and others’ work. Students are encouraged to enjoy exercise and sport, both in and out of school, and understand the long-term benefits of physical activity.

We use the Hands, Head, Heart approach in KS3 to ensure that students develop physical skills (Hands), tactical understanding and the ability to evaluate performance (Head), and personal qualities such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience (Heart). This helps students make progress in all areas of learning and prepares them for lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.

• Hands (physical skills): Develop techniques and control in sports, gymnastics, and dance
• Head (tactical understanding & evaluation): Apply tactics in games, analyse their own and peers’ performances, and use feedback to improve
• Heart (Personal & social development): Work in teams, building communication, leadership, resilience, and problem-solving skills

Students also take part in competitive sports and physical activities beyond school, promoting fair play, participation, and healthy lifestyles.

Students will be taught to:

• Apply a range of tactics, strategies, and skills to overcome opponents in invasion games, as well as other team and individual activities, developing competence and confidence across different sports
• Develop effective skills and techniques and improve their performance in a variety of competitive sports
• Participate in gymnastics and dance, exploring movement, creativity, and expression while performing across a range of styles and forms
• Work effectively in teams, developing communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills through collaborative activities
• Analyse their own and peers’ performances, compare them to previous work and assessment criteria, and use this evaluation to make improvements and achieve their personal best
• Engage in competitive sports and physical activities beyond school, fostering enjoyment, participation, and lifelong physical activity

Core PE

In Core PE, we are dedicated to inspiring every student to develop a lifelong love of physical education and sport. Our curriculum is designed to be diverse, engaging, and appropriately challenging, enabling students to build a broad and secure understanding of sport, health, and the human body.

We are committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of starting point, ability, or background, are supported to achieve their personal best. Through a wide range of sporting opportunities offered across the year, students are encouraged to enjoy their learning, develop confidence, and make meaningful progress.

Our team works collectively to provide high-quality teaching, purposeful activities, and an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. We also ensure that students are guided towards the most suitable examination pathways, allowing them to access qualifications that best match their strengths and aspirations.

GCSE PE

Our GCSE Physical Education course provides students with the opportunity to develop their practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and understanding of physical activity, health, and sport. The curriculum is designed to promote lifelong participation in physical activity and improve performance in a range of sports.

Course Overview

GCSE PE is split into two main components: Practical Performance and Theoretical Knowledge. Students are assessed through both practical performance and written examinations.

1. Practical Performance (40%)
   Students demonstrate their skills in a range of sports and physical activities.

Assessment:

Students are assessed in three activities:

• One team activity (e.g., football, netball)
• One individual activity (e.g., gymnastics, athletics)
• A third activity of the student’s choice (team or individual)

Focus Areas:

• Skill execution and performance quality
• Understanding of rules, tactics, and strategies
• Personal performance improvement

Weighting: 40% of the overall GCSE grade

Assessment Type:

• Practical assessment by teachers and moderated externally

1. Theoretical Knowledge (60%)
   The theory component is examined through two written papers covering the knowledge and understanding of physical activity, health, and fitness.

Paper 1 – The Human Body and Movement in Physical Activity and Sport

• Content: Applied anatomy and physiology, movement analysis, physical training
• Length: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Weighting: 30% of overall GCSE

Paper 2 – Socio-Cultural Influences and Wellbeing in Physical Activity and Sport

• Content: Health, fitness, wellbeing, sport psychology, and socio-cultural influences
• Length: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Weighting: 30% of overall GCSE

Key Topics Covered:

1. 1. Applied Anatomy and Physiology – Musculoskeletal, cardiovascular systems, effects of exercise
   2. Movement Analysis – Types of movement, planes of motion, biomechanics
   3. Physical Training – Components and methods of training, principles of training
   4. Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing – Lifestyle choices, diet, short- and long-term benefits of exercise
   5. Sport Psychology – Motivation, goal-setting, mental preparation, anxiety management
   6. Socio-Cultural Influences – Participation across groups, ethical and socio-cultural issues

KS5 PE

Our KS5 Physical Education curriculum aims to inspire students by engaging them with the theoretical principles that underpin sport, physical performance, and the body in action. Through high-quality teaching and carefully structured learning, students develop a deep and secure understanding of the key concepts outlined within the examination specification.

Staff Contact

Head of Faculty – Mrs L Levy