Physical Education

Physical Education is an integral part of daily school life.  The curriculum is varied and progressive and enables pupils to experience and learn the benefits of physical activity. 

In the first few years all pupils are taught lessons in lacrosse, swimming, netball, gymnastics, dance, cross-country, athletics and tennis.  In the LV and above a greater variety of sports are encompassed in the curriculum ultimately leading to an entirely self-chosen programme in the sixth form.  Basketball, volleyball, badminton, football, squash, hockey, climbing, trampolining, golf and use of the fitness suite are just some of the many options that are available to our students.  Our facilities are fantastic and the breadth of choice that we are able to offer fulfils one of our primary aims which is to provide positive experiences enabling pupils to find an activity that will hopefully be continued post school.

All pupils in the LIV – LVI take part in the weekly House Games programme.  This programme involves inter-house competitions in a huge variety of sports throughout the year, and each event is traditionally enthusiastically supported in a sea of house colours!

Fixtures are provided on Wednesdays and Saturdays for those that would like to be involved.  There are team practices for all the main sports during the week and clubs after school for lots of others.  Pupils are encouraged and supported to reach their potential in their chosen discipline and many pupils have achieved county, regional and national status in numerous sports.

For more information about teams click here.

GCSE

The aims of the course are to encourage students to:

• develop and apply knowledge, skills and understanding of physical education through selected practical activities;
• develop knowledge and understanding of the different factors that affect participation and performance;
• promote understanding of the health benefits and risks associated with taking part in physical activity;
• develop the skills necessary to analyse and improve performance;
• understand the role of rules and conventions in selected activities.

Assessment of the Course

The course is assessed by two components:

• a two hour written examination (40% of the marks);
• a practical coursework component (60% of the marks).

Course Content of Written Paper

• health, fitness and the factors affecting performance;
• principles of training;
• factors affecting individual performance and participation;
• social and cultural factors affecting performance.

Practical Coursework

Section 1 – plan, perform, monitor and evaluate a health-related exercise programme to improve performance.

Section 2 – practical performance in four activities chosen from at least two of the following activity areas: games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, swimming, outdoor and adventurous activities.

AS and A Level

to develop knowledge and skills in selected physical activities

to develop the skills of planning, performing and evaluating physical activities

to foster an understanding of the historical, cultural and sociological factorsunderpinning sport and physical education

to gain an understanding of the physiological factors influencing behaviour in sport and learning in physical education

to develop an ability to appreciate the relationship between theory and practice and to apply theoretical knowledge to develop understanding of practical performance in sport.

OUTLINE AS COURSE

Unit 1:             The Social Basis of Sport and Recreation

                        Section A:        UK and the European Context

                        Section B:        Issues in Sport: The Olympic Case Study

Unit 2:             Enhancing Performance

                        Section A:        Acquiring Skill

                        Section B:        Option A – Practical Application or

                                                Option B – Research project

                        Section C:        Performance: Analysis and Provision

Unit 3:             Exercise and Training

                        Section A:        Sport, Exercise and Training

                        Section B:         Skill Acquisition

The A2 course builds on the AS course, and aims:

to further develop knowledge and skills in a chosen physical activity

to foster an understanding of the historical, cultural and sociological factors underpinning sport and physical education in USA

to examine the effects of exercise and the relationships between training and performance

to understand the role of psychology in sporting performance