Physical Education

Physical Education is taught, in the main, by specialist P.E. teachers. Pupils in years 7and 8 have three double periods per week. Years 9 and 10 have a double and a triple per week and years 11, 12 and 13 have a triple. P.E. is a compulsory part of the curriculum for all year groups, up to and including the Sixth Form.
In addition to this, students may opt to take GCSE (4 periods per week) and A level (8 periods per week).

P.E. lessons cover a wide variety of team and individual pursuits, including major winter team games (football and basketball - boys, hockey and netball - girls), badminton, swimming, orienteering, dance, gymnastics, health education, cross country as well as tennis, cricket(boys) rounders (girls) and athletics in the summer. In addition to this the older age groups have an option system which includes climbing, squash, fitness gym, yoga and aerobics.
We believe that it is important to cater for the individual and whilst it is impossible to cover all sports, we offer breadth within the curriculum in order to stimulate interest and enjoyment. We also offer an extensive extra-curricular programme, which encourages pupils to take part in competitive sport at inter-school level. Several of our students each year go on to represent District and County teams.

At GCSE we take AQA (specification A). This includes a 2 hour written paper, “Factors affecting performance and participation in physical activity” (Areas covered are health and fitness, principles of training, factors affecting individual performance and participation and social and cultural factors affecting participation.)
Course work is practical based where students plan, perform and evaluate a health related exercise programme, as well as studying and performing in four sports activities.

At A level we follow the AQA specification. This includes three sections at AS (physiology and psychology, socio-cultural and a practical), whilst at A2 it includes biomechanics and a practical or a project, in addition to looking at the factors affecting elite performance. There is also a synoptic element.

During school time we also include, at key stage 3, a programme of outdoor and adventure education. This involves a whole day visit in year 7, a residential 3 day visit in year 8 and a residential week at a local outdoor education centre, with specialist staff and equipment, in year 9.

P.E. is seen as a vital part of a student’s education. Not only can they learn new skills in an enjoyable environment, but they develop cooperation, support and team work as well as challenge their personal goals and competitive instincts. In the modern world it is vital that our students take with them lifelong skills to help them live a healthy and active lifestyle.