Physical Education (PE)

Curriculum Intent

The PE curriculum is designed to foster a lifelong enjoyment of sport by developing students’ enthusiasm, skills, and performance. Through high expectations and a “teach to the top” approach, students are challenged to exceed their potential. Lessons aim not only to improve physical ability and tactical understanding but also to instil a lasting commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle.

Our five-year plan offers a broad range of sports to ensure variety and sustained engagement. At Key Stage 3, the focus is on progressive skill development: Year 7 emphasises how to perform skills; Year 8 explores decision-making in sport; and Year 9 introduces sport leadership. These themes are taught through a mix of team and individual sports, allowing students to improve fitness, tactical awareness, and evaluative skills—both in their own and others’ performances.

Sports are revisited throughout the five years to build depth and reinforce knowledge. The curriculum is aligned with GCSE PE, including sports that are assessed at that level. Theoretical links to GCSE content are integrated through homework, questioning, and a supporting lesson booklet within the fitness units.

At Key Stage 4, compulsory Core PE continues to promote physical activity and skill development, introducing new sports to further support students’ healthy lifestyles. Year 10 focuses on cognitive skills, while Year 11 emphasises preparing for future healthy living.

GCSE Physical Education (OCR) aims to develop students' knowledge, understanding, and performance in both the theoretical and practical aspects of sport. The course provides a strong foundation for further study and encourages lifelong participation in physical activity. Students study key areas such as applied anatomy and physiology, physical training, socio-cultural influences, sports psychology, and health, fitness, and well-being. Alongside this, they develop and refine their performance in three practical sports, with a focus on technique, decision-making, and the ability to analyse and improve performance.

The curriculum is designed to challenge students academically while also enhancing their practical ability. Lessons support exam preparation through structured questioning, extended writing tasks, and retrieval practice such as low-stakes quizzes. Students are also taught how to structure exam responses and apply theoretical knowledge to real-life sporting scenarios. By the end of the course, students are well-prepared for further education in sport or physical education and have developed the tools and mindset needed to lead healthy, active lives.

At Key Stage 5, The CTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport and Physical Activity provides students with a well-rounded blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare them for further study, apprenticeships, or careers in the sport and physical activity sector.

Through the study of Units 1, 2, 3, 17, and 19, students explore key areas such as body systems and the effects of physical activity, coaching and leadership, the organisation and development of sport, injury prevention and rehabilitation, and the psychological factors that influence performance.

The curriculum encourages students to think critically, apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, and develop transferable skills such as communication, planning, and analysis. By the end of the course, students are equipped to move confidently into the next stage of their education or professional journey within the sports industry.

Curriculum Implementation – Curriculum Map

Texts and exam boards