About the Department
The PE and Games Department consists of 14 PE teachers and experienced specialist sports coaches plus other 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 BTEC 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; 100% achieved a Grade 9-4 in 2019. A Level results are also encouraging with 50% of the cohort achieving A* in 2019 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 junior school. A number of these are individual activities such as gymnastics, fitness, dance (girls only) and athletics. These are supplemented by Games lessons to focus on application of skills within team games such as rugby, hockey, netball, cricket and rounders. PE is taught in form groups and pupils receive two lessons of PE per fortnight.
Key Stage 4: At GCSE, the AQA Examination board is followed, which is a linear course. 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.
At Key Stage 5, pupils are entered in the BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport, which is equivalent to 1 A-Level. Material covered is similar to that taught in the Physical Education A-Level so will prepare students who wish to study sports related courses in higher education. Pupils who have a passion for sport and want to take a more applied route to learning are well suited to this course. There is an opportunity for pupils to extend their study if they are very capable and should seek more information from the Head of Academic PE (Mrs Dunn).
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.
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.
BTEC units are assessed by two external exams and two assignments which are internally verified. Students receive 12 periods of teaching per fortnight, which will include theoretical lessons, practical lessons and some with feature trips in lesson time or guest speakers.
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.