Curriculum

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Why study Physical Education?

The Physical Education programme encourages all students to participate in sports for the benefit of their physical, mental and social health, and aims to provide a wide variety of activities to appeal to everyone. PE improves students’ physical fitness, flexibility, dexterity and endurance, and educates them about the importance of health and well-being. Students are encouraged to work hard to develop their skills, which in turn helps to build their self-confidence as they become more adept at different types of sport. The vision is for all students to establish a desire to remain physically active throughout their life.

How will I study Physical Education?

In PE sustained time is given to practise and refine a variety of skills and techniques. Teachers demonstrate movement and skills, give technical advice, and give step by step staged introductions of new skills, competencies, and rules. Students are encouraged to perform at maximum levels in relation to speed, height, distance, strength, and accuracy. They have the opportunity to be creative, make sporting decisions and practise skills independently, in pairs or in small groups.

Through PE, students learn to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with others to achieve shared goals, which can help to strengthen their relationships with peers and enhance their self-esteem, whilst also encouraging them to develop a sense of responsibility for their own efforts and performance.

The tactical nature of many sports encourages students to plan ahead, make considered judgements, and to keep trying their hardest in the face of adversity, which are some of the many reasons why PE helps to develop students’ leadership skills and resilience.

 

What will I study in core Physical Education?

Students study invasions sports, net sports, and striking and fielding sports. In addition, they study health and fitness, athletics and outdoor and adventure sport.

The study of invasion sports begins in Key Stage 3 with basic concepts such as passing and possession. This progresses quickly to defending and attacking followed by elimination skills and receiving. As students reach Key Stage 4 they are studying in greater depth, how to outwit opponents and eliminate the opposing team with strategic passes.

The study of net sports begins in Key Stage 3 with basic grip and simple shots. This develops into appropriate shot selection then onto targeting space. As pupils progress to Key Stage 4 students study more advanced shots as well as exploiting weaknesses and creating space to attack.

The study of striking and fielding sports progresses from basic throwing, catching, batting and fielding techniques at the start of Key Stage 3 to advanced fielding and striking techniques, including lob, spin, directional batting for attack and defence purposes.

In the study of Health and Fitness students study the components of fitness, including endurance, agility and flexibility. They will explore different types of training, as well as the importance of nutrition through the calorie equation. As students progress to Key Stage 4 they study all forms of training including interval training, continuous training and plyometric training.

In Athletics students progress through track, throwing and jumping events. They study technique, pacing and tactics, as well as the rules and regulations such as false starts and how to accurately measure and record scores.

The study of outdoor and adventure sports begins with coordinates and how to orient  and then moves towards using attack points for speed.

In each sport students develop their motor competence, develop an understanding of rules, strategies and tactics, and develop an awareness of healthy participation. Students are also taught skills of communication, cooperation and leadership through the different sports.

 

What will I study in the Technical Award in Health and Fitness at key stage 4?

Students also have the option to study a NCFE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Fitness. This further allows the pupils to extend the practical skills that have been demonstrated at Key Stage 3, whilst combining these with and theoretical understanding of sporting performance and industries linked with sports.

The first unit of study is an introduction to body systems and principles of training in health and fitness. This includes study of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and energy systems. Students study the effects of Health and Fitness activities on the body. they go onto study the components of health and fitness and understand the principles of training.

In unit 2 students learn to prepare and plan for health and fitness. This includes consideration of lifestyle factors, fitness testing, and evaluation of training methods. This involves the student Lifestyle Factors optimising a health and fitness program. Students will undertake health and fitness analysis and set goals. They will conform to the structure of a health and fitness program and work within health and safety guidelines for individuals.

The above will all be put together into a synoptic assessment in which students will be asked to complete a synoptic brief and design a suitable training program for one of their peers. They will have to use all of the above to ensure the program is successful. These topics will be taught by both physical and theoretical methods.

Assessment

To be awarded NCFE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Fitness, pupils are required to successfully complete two mandatory units.

The qualification has 2 assessments externally-set by NCFE:

  • One non-exam assessment (Synoptic project- 60%)
  • One written examined assessment (Summer Exam- 1hour 30 mins- 40%)
Enrichment Offer

The variety of clubs and sports on offer reflect the breadth and talents of our pupils and ensure that all pupils have an opportunity to participate in sports they enjoy and excel at.  Popular clubs include: Football; Netball; Open Gym; Badminton; Rounders and Basketball. Inter school competitions are complemented by regional and national competitions. This includes Blackpool Schools Dance Festival and Town Sports Athletics.

Careers

The study of PE can lead to future careers ranging from Contemporary Dancer, Physiotherapist and Sports Development Officer to Personal Trainer, Fire Service and Armed Services, to PE Teacher, Sports Coach and Outdoor Adventurous Activities Instructor. Famous PE graduates include Victoria Pendleton (Olympic athlete), John McFall (paralympic sprinter), Tim Noakes (sports scientist), Peter Phillips (Williams Formula 1).

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