Introduction

Physical education is for all. We aim to educate pupils, regardless of ability or gender, to be able to make choices in order to lead a healthy lifestyle now and in the future. We work to develop flexibility, strength and endurance in a safe and controlled environment. Physical education will also help explore problem-solving techniques and encourage independent learning skills, whilst developing pupils’ awareness to become caring members of society.

The curriculum allows pupils to participate in a wide range of sporting activities, to fulfil the aims of the department and the national curriculum. Traditional games such as hockey, netball, rugby, football and athletics are covered, and teams are organised in most of these. We also introduce pupils to other team and individual sports such as dance, gymnastics, basketball, table tennis, badminton, rounders and fitness. Many more lunchtime and after school clubs are run to encourage a high level of extra-curricular sports participation. We are proud of the success we achieve with both teams and individuals.
Gartree has great sporting facilities, allowing a range of activities to take place comfortably. They include a sports hall and hall inside, together with extensive all-weather multi-purpose playing areas and grass pitches outside.

The department also benefits from having a specialist team of well-trained PE teachers, whose experiences in working across the 11-16 age range are used to inspire and challenge pupils and help them reach their full potential.

Key Stage 3

Our curriculum provides both depth and breadth, with Gartree’s current pupils experiencing a challenging programme of activities.

Pupils are given an understanding of how to build on their successes is an important part of their learning process. Staff will provide pupils with regular verbal feedback, whilst end of unit levels confirm a pupil’s achievement in many of the activities they experience.

There are pupil-friendly level descriptors that are displayed in the Sports Hall corridors for pupils to read, digest and, we hope, use to understand what they need to do to move forward.

Activity specific level descriptors can also be found in both changing rooms, as well as the Sports Hall, when particular units of work are being taught.

Key Stage 4

GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION

How the course is assessed:

• 60% final examination
• 40% Practical assessments and performance

Exam Board: AQA Physical Education (8582)

Course overview

GCSE Physical Education provides students with the knowledge and understanding of how to live a healthy and active lifestyle, enabling them to make informed choices about their own physical development. Students can choose from a variety of roles and activities in which to participate in physical activity.

Students will learn how to analyse and evaluate performance and suggest effective plans for improvement.

You can expect to:

• Enjoy a mix of practical and theory lessons
• Improve personal performance and the performance of others through effective coaching
• Develop analytical skills and be able to evaluate performance
• Broaden your theoretical knowledge of sport

Where does it lead?

This course will lead to a secure foundation to be able to go onto:

• A level PE
• BTEC level 3 Sport
• Higher Education Qualifications

These qualifications can then lead to career opportunities within sport, such as sports management, teaching, personal trainer or physiotherapy.