Physical Education Curriculum Overview

INTENT: 

PE is the desire to achieve physical, mental and social well-being through the medium of physical activity. 

We see PE as being an integral part of having lifelong health through participation in Physical Education. When our pupils join in year 7 there is a wide variation in KS2 experiences from pupil to pupil. What we aim to do is develop opportunities for all so as all students can remain involved in some form of physical activity to ks5 and beyond. 

IMPLEMENTATION:  

PE is divided into 7 subject specific concepts. Within each concept we aim to develop the individual through both curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities. 

The concept of a ‘healthy lifestyle’ pervades all that we do in PE and underpins all 6 other concepts. Healthy lifestyles is about having good physical, social and mental well-being and understanding the positive effect PE can have on these aspects of health. 

The theme of motor-skill development is addressed through the curriculum being designed to expose pupils to a variety of sports (Invasion, striking and fielding, net and maximal performance). All with the aim of developing pupils who are practically able to meet the demands of the new GCSE criteria. 

The theme of leadership is not solely explored as an extra-curricular opportunity in sports leaders but within all lessons. We acknowledge that developing leadership skills is an important life skill that PE can be at the heart of.

In this sense we also aim to develop the concepts of communication, team-work and co-operation. PE offers the opportunity to develop these skills; readying pupils for life beyond St James. Pupils will develop the understanding and appreciation that in order to be successful (not only in sport but in business and work) that people have to work together - The best teams are able to orate ideas and concepts effectively, listen and formulate a plan. Pupils will learn that this is best achieved through communication, co-operation and teamwork. 

The concept of developing resilience is at the heart of what we do. Resilient individuals are by nature more confident, more able to deal with the hurdles that appear in education and life. Being resilient is a theme that will stand pupils in good stead for the rest of their lives.  

Our extra-curricular offer is wide and varied, from teams competing in borough and county competitions to recreational badminton and table tennis and multi sports to ensure inclusive opportunities. At its core are the concepts of participation and performance. It is not just about the 5% of students who represent the school in competitions in the pursuit of excellence but the other 95%, ensuring they have ample opportunities for developing their well-being through clubs in a variety of activities. 

IMPACT:  

We seek to measure impact in 3 ways: The first and perhaps most important way is collating the number of pupils participating in extra-curricular activities and therefore leading a ‘healthy lifestyle’. High Numbers of pupils engaging in extra-curricular activities will show the positive impact we as a department are having on pupils. Secondly the number of pupils opting to study PE at GCSE and A level. We want our pupils to be engaged and enthused by their ks3 experience and to want to continue studying the academic aspect of PE beyond ks3. Lastly we measure impact through the practical assessment of pupils against the GCSE criteria in their 3 best performing sports across the academic year. One of these activities must be a team sport and one an individual activity. This along with our ‘theory assessments’ will enable us to more accurately assess pupils against their pathway. 

Subject Specific Concepts:  

PE is about living a healthy lifestyle.

PE is about developing motor-skills.

PE is about gaining leadership skills.

PE is about learning how to work as part of a team.

PE is about learning how to communicate effectively.

PE is about co-operating with others.

PE is about being Resilient.