Sports College

About the Department

Physical Education Department Ethos

The aim of the Physical Education programme is to promote enjoyment through a variety of learning experiences and situations which stimulate the acquisition and development of a wide range of physical skills. The distinction between 'Physical Education' and 'Games' allows students to experience a variety of teaching and learning styles in a range of challenging environments.

We aim to maximise student potential through participation and observation of a variety of activities. Consequently, it is aimed that they will develop an aesthetic awareness and appreciation of human movement and performance. An understanding of the basic concepts related to Health and Fitness also form an underlying theme to all areas of the Physical Education programme. All students are encouraged to adopt a positive attitude towards physical activity, thereby realising the importance of the relationship that exists between physical and psychological well-being.

The emphasis is on a skill based programme for key stage 3 students, introducing activities and skills which they will not have developed or explored during their Physical Education programmes in their Junior Schools.

Many of the skills and activities will form the basis of the School's extensive Games programme. At key stage 4, students are led more in the direction of Health Related Fitness, learning how to monitor and improve their own Health and Fitness and appreciating the values of regular exercise and recreation. It is intended that by the end of the year 11 Physical Education programme, all students will have an appreciation of recreation in general and that they will wish to be 'active' in sport and physical activity on a regular basis.

Our students now have the opportunity to take their interest in this subject further by taking GCSE Physical Education, GCSE Dance, A level Physical Education, BTEC First Sport and BTEC National Sport Both. All courses are usually oversubscribed and produce very good results. All courses have proven to be exceedingly valuable in the present day boom in the leisure industry. Many students have gone on to study, medicine, physiotherapy, leisure & tourism, leisure management etc.

Physical Education makes an important contribution to the education and physical development of all children. Within the boundaries of Physical Education all students have the opportunity to experience the values and qualities that can be utilised in adult life. The development of an individual's physical, mental and social development is experienced within the domain of the subject. By channelling these experiences in the positive way, all boys and girls can benefit from the contribution that Physical Education brings to their overall education.

It is clear that all young people need to explore various physical and psychological challenges in a variety of different environments. The Schools Physical Education programme aims to allow all its lower school students to experience a wide selection of activities which promotes these characteristics within the framework of a balanced programme.