About the Department
The PE and Games Department consists of five full-time PE teachers and an experienced team of specialist sports coaches and teaching staff who supplement the extensive Games and Extra-Curricular programme. Within the department we have a host of specialists who have played sport to a particularly high level (including national standard) to inspire the next generation in a wide range of sports.
The department offers a wealth of opportunities within the curricular and extra-curricular programme. PE can be selected as an academic option at GCSE and A Level where pupils take a more analytical look at the world of sport with the expert guidance of experienced teachers and sports performers.
Many pupils select PE to help them to study Physiotherapy, Sports Psychology and Biomechanics at University.
Examination Results
Pupils consistently achieve results above their predicted GCSE grades; 94% achieved a Grade 9-4 in 2018. A Level results are also encouraging 100% of the cohort achieved A*-B in 2018 and compare well with predictive data as well as results achieved in other subjects.
Subject Content & Syllabus
At Key Stage 3 we teach a wide range of activities within PE to develop the core skills learnt in primary and junior school. A number of these are individual activities such as gymnastics, fitness, dance (girls only) and athletics. These are supplemented by more game-based activities within Games lessons to focus on application of skills within teams such as rugby, hockey, netball, cricket and rounders.
PE is taught in form groups and pupils receive two lessons of PE per fortnight. Games is taught as a whole year group and then divided into activity groups to allow variety, differentiation and rotation. Each year group will receive two Games afternoons per fortnight.
Key Stage 4: At GCSE, the AQA Examination board is followed, which is a linear course. GCSE PE is 40% practical, which is assessed internally. Typically pupils who are capable sportsmen and women do extremely well in GCSE PE, where they learn about the theoretical side of sport and also have the opportunity to develop their leadership and organisational skills.
Monitoring & Assessment
GCSE is assessed in practical activities (40% of course) and two theory exams (60%). The practical assessment is made up of three sports, two of which need to be an individual and a team sport with the third being a choice of either. In addition, a controlled assessment is carried out in April of Year 11 in a sport of the pupil’s choice.
At A Level, the AQA course is followed. It is a linear course with two exams each worth 35% (70% theory overall) and 30% is assessed practically. The practical element requires students to perform or coach in a full sided version of one sport. They are moderated internally before an external moderation takes place with a moderator from the exam board.
During Years 12 and 13, students receive 12 periods of teaching per fortnight, with a range of extended homework assignments.
Careers
Physical Education is a vital area of study that underpins many higher education courses. Applications for Physiotherapy, Psychology, Biomechanics, Armed Forces, Teaching, Coaching Education all benefit from having taken Physical Education to at least AS Level.