Physical Education

Overview

Students at Key Stage 3 have the opportunity to follow a diverse and well-structured curriculum (as seen below). Queen’s Park High School's physical education department shares the purpose of the national curriculum which states:

‘A high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities. It should provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness.’

Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect.

Physical education aims to ensure that all students:

• develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
• are physically active for sustained periods of time
• engage in competitive sports and activities
• lead healthy, active lives.

In Key Stage 3, we deliberately place an emphasis on the importance of practical aspects of physical education, so that students can develop the skills and attributes underlined above by the national curriculum. That said, we also recognise the need to prepare students for the knowledge they will require at Key Stage 4. Therefore, the assessment objectives (AO) for KS3 make a direct link to the demands of the GCSE. In Key Stage 3 PE, the majority of our assessments link to the practical criteria, as we feel this is the best way to meet the demands of the national curriculum and inspire our students.

Curriculum Content

Assessment Criteria

Please find below the assessment benchmarks for PE. A child progresses across the grid (from A-I) when they demonstrate a deeper knowledge and wider range of skills in each assessment carried out.

Overview

At Key Stage 4 all students follow a core PE programme which is taught 2 hours a fortnight. Emphasis is placed on recreational and sporting activities for personal enjoyment and fitness as well as promoting and developing high levels of skill in particular sports. The core Physical Education programme aims to build upon many of the activities covered in Key Stage 3 in order to develop the depth of understanding which will allow students to continue to enjoy that activity once they leave school. The core programme aims to give students the opportunity to tackle complex and demanding activities and get involved in a range of sports that help develop personal fitness to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

Students are taught:

• to use a range of tactics and strategies to overcome opponents in teams and individual games.
• to develop their technique and improve their performance in other competitive sports.
• to take part in further outdoor adventurous activities in a range of environments which present intellectual and physical challenges. We promote the access to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.
• to evaluate their performances and demonstrate improvement across a range of physical activities to achieve their personal best.
• to take part in competitive sports and activities outside of school. Students are signposted to the extensive extra-curricular programme as well as local community clubs.

Overview 

The GCSE Physical Education (Edexcel) course builds upon the knowledge, understanding, and skills developed during Key Stage 3. It offers students the opportunity to engage in a variety of physical activities, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, while also deepening their theoretical understanding of physical education.

The theoretical component of the course is both detailed and demanding, forming a significant portion of the curriculum. A strong foundation in science and extended writing skills will be beneficial, as students are required to apply scientific concepts to real-world contexts. Key theory topics include the reasons for and factors influencing participation in physical activity, such as safety and injury prevention, the role of health and fitness, the short- and long-term effects of exercise on body systems, biomechanics, drugs in sport, ethics in sport, commercialism in sport, and sport psychology, among others.

In terms of practical work, students will develop and demonstrate core skills, applying these in competitive situations across a range of sports. Assessment is carried out through participation in three different physical activities, where students are evaluated on their performance as players/participants.

Students choosing this course must have a genuine interest in PE and sport, enjoy being active, and appreciate the importance of maintaining physical fitness and well-being. The demands of the GCSE PE course require not only practical skills but also the ability to critically analyse and reflect on the impact of physical activity from both a scientific and sociocultural perspective. A strong commitment to both the practical and theoretical aspects of the course is essential for success.

Exam board and course

Edexcel GCSE Physical Education (9-1)

Curriculum Content 

Overview

The BTEC Sport Level 3 course at Key Stage 5 is designed for students who have a strong passion for sport and physical activity. This course demands both theoretical understanding and practical application, providing a comprehensive insight into the sports industry, fitness, and well-being.

The course includes compulsory external exam units, which are both challenging and require dedicated study. Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology covers the structure and functions of the human body, including muscles, bones, and systems that impact performance. Students need to understand how the body responds to exercise, which requires detailed knowledge and the ability to apply concepts to real-world sporting scenarios. Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming focuses on how to design effective fitness plans and training programmes, with an emphasis on the principles of training and understanding how fitness impacts performance. Both of these units require careful revision and exam preparation to achieve success.

In addition to the external exams, students will complete coursework-based units, which are equally demanding. Unit 3: Careers in Sport explores various career opportunities within the sports industry, requiring research, analysis, and an understanding of professional pathways. Unit 4: Sport Psychology delves into the mental and emotional factors that influence performance, including motivation, concentration, and team dynamics. Coursework units require time management and the ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.

Throughout the course, students must demonstrate a strong commitment to being active and engaged in sport. A genuine passion for physical activity is essential to succeed in this course, as the knowledge gained must be applied to real-life contexts within both the coursework and practical elements. A proactive attitude towards learning, alongside the ability to balance theoretical study with practical experience, is key to achieving success in this demanding and rewarding qualification.

Exam board and course

Edexcel - BTEC Sport Level 3 extended certificate 

Curriculum Content