Curriculum Aims

PE at Gartree allows students to develop their physical, social and emotional well-being. The PE curriculum aims to inspire all students to succeed and excel in physical activity and competitive sport. We want all students to understand the health benefits of regular exercise and to become confident in finding ways to lead a fit and active lifestyle that continues into adulthood.

The curriculum aims to ensure that all students develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities. The aim is to ensure students are inspired to succeed in competitive sport, builds their character, and embeds values such as fairness and respect to ensure they are role models for the next generation and go onto lead healthy, active lifestyles.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum Overview

Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils follow a varied curriculum to cover many of the activities that will be available at GCSE PE level. These include major games such as netball, basketball, football, rugby, racket sports and net games, as well as aesthetic activities such as gymnastics and dance. Athletics disciplines are also covered in some detail. Aspects of fitness are covered across the key stage to help inform pupils of the need to be active and how basic levels of fitness can be attained, maintained and developed.

By the end of KS3 students are prepared for higher learning skills such as officiating, analysis and evaluation. There is also an opportunity to become a Sports Leader.

Key Stage 4

Course: GCSE Physical Education (J587)

Exam Board: OCR

Final Assessment: 30% Non-Examination Assessment (NEA). Three practical performances. 10% NEA, One Performance Analysis Task. 60% Two examination papers.

Curriculum Overview

If you want the knowledge to keep yourself fit, healthy and active for life, find the human body fascinating, want to learn how to train SMART, not just harder or you want to develop the knowledge to get better in the sport or activity you take part in the GCSE (9 - 1) Physical Education is for you!

Studying GCSE PE will open your eyes to the amazing world of sports performance. Not only will you have the chance to perform in three different sports through the non-examined assessment component, you will also develop a wide-ranging knowledge into the how and why of Physical activity and sport.

The combination of the physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students. You can perform, and then through the academic study learn how to improve your performance through the application of theory.

You will learn the reasons why we do things, why some outperform others, mentally and physically. You will delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and also gain an understanding of the consequences of inactivity and poor diet. 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 for progress to:

• 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.

Further details of the GCSE Physical Education specification can be found here:

GCSE - Physical Education (9-1) - J587 - OCR

Course: Cambridge National Sports Studies (J829)

Exam Board: OCR

Final Assessment: 2 Mandatory Units: Contemporary issues in sport examination (40%) – external examination. Performance and leadership in sports activities (30%) - Set Assignments. 1 optional unit (30%) from:Sport and the Media or Increasing awareness of Outdoor and Adventurous Activities.

Curriculum Overview

The Cambridge National in Sport Studies takes a sector-based focus, whilst also encompassing some core sport/physical education themes. Students have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge about different types of sport and physical activity, the influence of the media and sports leadership to their own practical performance. They will learn about contemporary issues in sport such as funding, participation, ethics and role models. Students will develop an appreciation of the importance of sport locally and nationally, different ways of being involved in sport and of how this shapes the sports industry.

In the ‘Contemporary issues in sport’ unit students will understand a range of topical and contemporary issues in sport,

including learning about participation levels and barriers to completing sporting activities. They will also learn how participation is impacted by the promotion of values and ethical behaviour, about the role of high-profile sporting events, the role of national governing bodies and how technology is used in within sport.

In the ‘Performance and leadership in sports activities’ unit students will have an opportunity to develop

their skills both as a performer in two different sporting activities, and as a leader, developing a range of transferable skills. They will work both independently and as part of a team, including communicating with team mates performing under pressure, both as a participant and as a leader.

You can expect to:

• enjoy a mix of practical and theory lessons;

• consider the ways that sport is run in this country

• improve leaderships skills and deliver leadership sessions

• broaden your theoretical knowledge of sport.

Where does it lead?

Cambridge Nationals provide a strong base for progression to Further Education, whether it is on to Level 3 Cambridge Technicals or A Levels, or to an apprenticeship or work

Further details of the Cambridge National Sports Studies specification can be found here:

Cambridge Nationals - Sport Studies Level 1/Level 2 – J829 (ocr.org.uk)