The main aim of the PE department is to promote a lifelong active lifestyle through participation in a broad range of activities at Key Stage Three and Key Stage Four. Students should have the ambition to develop their confidence and interest to get involved in exercise, sports and activities out of school and in later life and understand and apply the short and long-term health benefits of physical activity.
The department strives to deliver engaging, challenging and appropriate lessons in which students are physically active and develop a passion and enjoyment for the subject, improve their performance through skill acquisition and make good educational progress. Students will develop an array of skills in a range of activities including outwitting an opponent, how to work as a team and problem-solving skills. Through developing these skills and qualities, students will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding to develop their resilience and determination to succeed.
Currently students are assessed mainly through teacher observation, verbal questioning and feedback as well as peer and self-assessment. Assessment is based on the Head, Hands, Heart model which incorporates performance of skills and techniques, understanding of key tactical and compositional ideas, and the student’s ability to evaluate and consider improvement on their own and others’ performances. Underpinning this is the key concepts of theoretical understanding which are also assessed through verbal questioning and continual feedback.
The PE department aims to offer a diverse and engaging curriculum which challenges students both physically and academically. The department works closely with The Saints Foundation to deliver high quality rugby lessons for both girls and boys, developing links with Blackbrook Rugby Club. Recently, we have improved our Outdoor Activity provision with a day out to Mountain Monkeys for our year 7 and 8 students, delivering sessions in canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, rifle shooting and team building. We have also employed the services of a dance specialist to deliver dance sessions to our year 7, 8 and 10 students.
The department is also involved in a programme of competitions delivered through the town, ranging from athletics, football, rugby, rounders, indoor athletics and netball matches, festivals and tournaments. Students, regardless of their ability, are encouraged to attend after school clubs.
Key Stage Three
Students are encouraged to participate in a broad range of activities with the emphasis upon enjoyment, participation and skill acquisition. Students have two hours of PE per week in years 7, 8 and 9. They will study activities in 5-week blocks consisting of 10 lessons on a range of activities. Assessment is ongoing with formal assessment in lessons 9 and 10.
Activities are chosen by the class teacher to cater for the needs of their students, ensuring that their students participate in a broad range of activities in competitive and non–competitive situations. Students will also experience a range of roles in the form of player/ performer, official/referee/ umpire and coach/manager.
Activities at Key Stage Three are selected from football, rugby, netball, hockey, gymnastics, fitness, athletics, indoor athletics, badminton, basketball, volleyball, rounders, cricket, dodgeball, dance, problem solving, outdoor activities and boccia.
Key Stage 4
Activities selected through Student Voice with the emphasis upon variety and encouraging students to continue to participate outside school. The emphasis is upon enjoyment and participation. Students have one hour a week in years 10 and 11. Activities: football, rugby, keep fit, netball, dodgeball, badminton, basketball, dance, table tennis and volleyball.
CAMBRIDGE NATIONALS: Sports Studies (Option PE)
Students choose their options during year 9 and start a two-year course in year 10. The department currently offers Cambridge Nationals Sport Studies but is flexible, and chooses the course to fit around each cohort.
Sports Studies
RO51 Contemporary Issues in Sport (external exam 25%), students will sit exam May year 10/ January year 11.
All other units are course work internally assessed by the class teacher and externally moderated, all worth 25% each.
RO52 Developing Sports Skills, practical, written course work from netball, basketball, football, rugby, badminton, athletics.
RO53 Sports Leadership, practical, written course work
RO55 Outdoor Activities which consists of practical and written coursework.