Physical Education

Physical Education (PE) encourages and challenges pupils to achieve their optimum, physically and mentally, through participation and, where appropriate, competition in a wide range of individual, racket and team sports. PE stimulates and maintains pupil interest and enjoyment in physical activities and promotes health and fitness for current and future lifestyles. Our pupils understand the short and long term effects of exercise on the body, and the importance of safe practice in physical activities. PE aids young people in developing a range of desirable personal qualities such as, respect, self-discipline, determination, self-confidence, initiative and independent thinking.Teaching and learning in the department is fun, with pupils working individually and as part of a team in a variety of activities. All pupils in the Junior School, First Forms to Third Forms, have Physical Education which is taught by full time qualified staff as a double timetabled lesson.During Year 10 and 11, pupils' can opt to study PE at GCSE. We follow the OCR syllabus (J587 9-1 course), regularly achieving good results'. The qualification is weighted 60% on externally assessed examination papers and 40% on non-examination elements (30% practical performance and 10% written coursework).In the Sixth Form, those electing to study PE will follow the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (360) Rqf, course code VCJ68. This is the equivalent of 1 A Level and is widely accepted by universities throughout the country. It is assessed 67% externally and 33% internally. The Btec Sport course comprises of 4 units:Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology (externally assessed).Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health Sport and Well Being (externally assessed).Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry (coursework unit, internally assessed).Unit 5: Application of Fitness Testing (coursework unit, internally assessed).Units 1 and 2 are delivered during year 1 of the course (L6 / Year 12) with learners' entered for the externally assessed exams in June of that year. There is the opportunity to re-sit both of these exams in January of U6/ Year 13, if required.Units 3 and 5 are delivered during year 2 of the course (U6/ Year 13). These mixed methods of assessment develop the pupil’s study skills to prepare them fully for the demands of further education.