KS4 Physical Education

Curriculum Content

All pupils in Year 10 have a choice of activities for the Winter and Summer. Options chosen in Year 10 will be continued in Year 11.

Pupils follow each activity for a module of six to seven weeks (half termly).

Up to Easter a wide variety of options will be offered allowing students the flexibility to study, in depth, activities they enjoy and would like to learn more about. Due to the popularity of certain activities students may not always get their first choices but staff will endeavour to give them priority when choosing the next activity.

Some examples of the activities on offer:

Winter

• Football
• Hockey
• Rugby
• Netball
• Basketball
• Badminton

Summer

• Athletics (must be taken to fulfil National Curriculum requirements)
• Cricket
• Rounders
• Tennis
• Softball
• Volleyball

Teaching Methods

Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups of boys and girls wherever applicable. While the accent is on enjoyment through participation, the teaching emphasis is largely through coaching in the game situation, developing tactics, team-play and strategies. All work is, of course, practical, reflecting the aims of the National Curriculum at Key Stage 4.

Resources

Resources for Physical Education are extensive. In addition to a large sports hall and gymnasium where most indoor activities are taught, the lower school hall and the main school hall are used when necessary. Outside there are five football pitches, three hockey pitches, six grass tennis courts, three cricket squares with one artificial all-weather surface, and eight hard netball courts.

Skills and Knowledge

While enjoyment through participation is central to the course, there are further aims. The intention is to increase pupils' knowledge and understanding and also enhance their skills and performance as a result. We also hope that pupils will go on to participate in sport when they leave school.

 

GCSE Physical Education

Curriculum Content

Students study parallel courses in GCSE Games and Physical Education and are given the choice of which examination they are entered for, dependent on which practical activities they are most talented at. The practical syllabus focuses on an in-depth study of games, where pupils are assessed in numerous activities, and a theory section. The activities covered will most probably comprise football/netball, basketball, tennis, cricket, rounders and athletics. The chance to be assessed in a much wider variety of sports such as swimming, gymnastics and cross-country running is also now available. The theory component includes 'Health Related Exercise' and 'Sport & Society'.

Teaching Methods

A mixture of styles is used. In practical sessions pupils are given opportunities for individual, pair and group work. The theory sessions are largely teacher-led, with possible use of video recordings, question and answer sessions and discussions.

Resources

Resources for Physical Education are extensive. Practical sessions will involve the use of the Sports Hall/Gymnasium and the appropriate outdoor facilities.

Skills and Knowledge

The practical activities should lead to improved skills and performance, and also a greater understanding and knowledge of practical performance in general. It is also hoped that students will learn to understand the value of physical exercise as part of healthy living and increase their awareness of the opportunities and reasons for taking part in physical activity. A practical project is included in the course that not only tests fitness levels but shows the students how to improve themselves physically as part of a healthy lifestyle. This course should not be undertaken by students who do not have a good level of fitness and at least a satisfactory ability in numerous sports.

Assessment

Candidates are entered for the examination set by the AQA. Practical work carries 60% of the total mark. The theory section carries 40% and is assessed by a 2 hour examination taken at the end of the course.

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