pe

Physical Education

Mrs L Graydon

Head of Department

Mr R Buckman

Subject Teacher

Mr C Doherty

Career Break

Mr M Hopkins

Placement Student

INTRODUCTION

Physical Education (PE) is an engaging and dynamic subject that focuses on promoting physical fitness, wellness, and an understanding of the body’s movements. It combines elements of sports science, health, and physical activity to encourage students to lead active lifestyles and to develop a deeper understanding of the physical and mental benefits of exercise. PE is ideal for students who enjoy being physically active, are interested in sports, and have a passion for helping others improve their health and well-being.

PE enhances a wide range of skills, both physical and theoretical. Students develop practical skills through physical training in sports, fitness, and health routines, learning techniques for improving strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. They also gain valuable knowledge in areas such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and mental health, which can help them understand how the body works and how exercise can improve overall well-being.

FACILITIES

Our Physical Education Department strives to provide a comprehensive and engaging curriculum that promotes physical fitness, skill development, teamwork, and a positive attitude towards exercise whilst promoting the mental health of all students. Our state-of-the-art facilities include a sports hall, fully equip fitness suit, Astro turf and football pitch which enables a variety of sports and activities to be delivered within the school.

All students in Key Stage 3 and 4 receive three periods of Physical Education a week.
Students engage in a wide range of sporting activities during their Physical Education lessons and in extra-curricular activities.

KEY STAGE 3

Within our KS3 classes, we provide a wide range of activities that encourage students to develop team working skills, physical abilities and promote positive mental health.

Our PE teachers provide a supportive, encouraging and flexible curriculum to include all abilities within lessons. Our curriculum is designed so students can engage in individual and team sports. These include: Athletics, Badminton, Gaelic, Netball, Basketball, trampolining Gymnastics and soccer.

We also offer a range of extra-curricular activities which support our student interest in sport and prepare them for various competitions. This includes: Netball, Soccer, Gaelic and fitness suite.

KS4

At Key Stage 4, we offer two specialist PE pathways to ensure every student can access a qualification suited to their strengths, interests, and preferred learning style. Our aim is to provide an inclusive curriculum that enables all learners to thrive and achieve their full potential.

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BTEC Level 2 Sport

The BTEC Level 2 Sport pathway is ideal for students who enjoy a vocational, practical approach to learning, combined with coursework and external assessment. Students can achieve grades from Pass to Distinction*, equivalent to GCSE grades C to A*.

Assessment Structure
• One externally assessed examination
• Three coursework units completed over two years

Modules Studied

Students will explore a broad range of topics designed to develop their understanding of sport and performance, including:
• Anatomy and Physiology – understanding how the body’s systems function and adapt during physical activity
• Sports Leadership – developing the skills required to plan, lead and review sporting sessions
• Fitness Testing – learning how to assess and analyse components of fitness using recognised testing protocols
• Sports Rules and Regulations – understanding the laws and regulations that govern different sports and applying them in practical contexts
This pathway supports students who prefer continuous assessment and a hands-on approach to learning.

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OCN Level 2 Sport

The OCN Level 2 Sport pathway enables students to achieve a Pass, equivalent to a Grade C at GCSE. It is well-suited to learners who benefit from applied, practical learning delivered through small, focused units.
Units Studied

Unit 1: Outdoor Adventure Activities

Students will:
• Participate in three water-based and three land-based activities
• Learn how to respond safely in emergency situations
• Develop practical emergency first aid skills

Unit 2: Anatomy and Physiology

Students will:
• Explore the structure and function of the body’s major systems
• Understand how the body responds and adapts during exercise

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Why Offer Two Pathways?

By providing both BTEC and OCN Level 2 Sport, we ensure that:
• All students can access a route suited to their personal strengths
• Learners of all abilities feel included, supported, and able to succeed
• Every student has the opportunity to develop key skills through sport and physical activity

A-LEVEL

Our KS5 Pathway student study BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport. The BTEC Level 3 is diverse and enjoyable course that provide students with a full insight into the sports industry. This course is a combination of theory and practical work, specialising in coaching, sports development and fitness.
This qualification is an equivalent in size to a Grade A at Level.

Students undertake 4 Units of work which is a combination of examination and assignment.