Physical Education Curriculum

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” JOHN F KENNEDY

Rationale

At Sacred Heart, we believe that Physical Education and school sport are an essential part of all pupil’s educational journey. We aim to challenge and inspire pupils to excel in sport and physical activities which in turn can lead to positive life changes in improved health, learning achievements and the development of positive relationships. 

Pupils are given the opportunity to build on and embed the physical development and skills learned in key stages 1 and 2, become more competent, confident and expert in their techniques, and apply them across different sports and physical activities.

The content builds from Key Stage 3 to challenge pupils to develop greater skills, decision making, leadership and physical aptitude. We aim to inspire pupils to achieve and excel in sport and physical activities and continue to provide opportunities for competition.

In Key Stage 4 pupils also have the opportunity to study BTEC Sport. This builds on skills developed in Key Stage 3 and offers opportunities for skill development, competition, evaluation of performance, leadership and developing personal fitness.

Intent

Pupils are taught the skills required to analyse what makes performance effective and are able to apply these principles so they can improve their own and others’ work. Pupils explore the core principles of; invasion games, creative movement, athletics and healthy, active lifestyles. The content each year becomes more complex and requires greater skills, understanding of tactics and strategies to overcome opponents, leadership, creativity and physical literacy.

The PE curriculum at Sacred Heart is designed to allow all pupils to develop their confidence and interest to get involved in exercise, sports and activities out of school and in later life, and to understand and apply the long-term health benefits of physical activity.

Implementation

We have spent time re-structuring our curriculum to allow pupils to develop not only their physical ability but also their mental and social well-being.  We want pupils to become more experienced at working with their peers to gain the confidence needed to competently lead activities in lessons focusing on our 6 core values: Teamwork, creativity, resilience, independence, inclusivity and health, fitness and well-being during our five year progressive curriculum.

In KS3 pupils will study Football, Rugby, Netball, Volleyball, Basketball, Table Tennis, Dance, Trampolining, Fitness, Cricket Athletics, Tennis, Rounders, Handball, Hockey and Softball.

In KS4 pupils build on the skills they have learned in KS3 to take a more active role in leadership in the lessons. Embedding a healthy, active lifestyle in KS4 creates a bridge to lifelong habits.

We offer BTEC Sport as a vocational qualification in Y10 and Y11.

Our extra-curricular offer provides a range of experiences that form the basis for lifelong sporting and recreational activity which inspires all pupils to succeed in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. We aim to provide physical challenges for pupils to develop resilience and make them more physically confident. 

Impact

At Sacred Heart, the impact of our PE curriculum is measured by the physical competence, cognitive understanding, and emotional resilience our students develop. We prepare young people to confidently navigate their own health and fitness long after they leave compulsory education.

Pupils will be able to demonstrate increased skill development and be more competent and confident in their techniques. They will have a greater understanding of tactics and strategies to help overcome opponents in competitive situations and will have an understanding of what an effective performance should look like. Pupils will have a greater appreciation of the importance of physical activity and the linked health benefits. They learn that physical activity and sport can benefit their mental health and well-being. They will also have an understanding of how to assess their fitness levels and a range of training methods to help improve their personal fitness.

We have an excellent sporting reputation in Redcar and Cleveland. Within the district we have competed in and won numerous leagues and tournaments including district leagues and cups, county cups, tees valley tournaments as well as competing in national competitions such as the ESFA Playstation Schools Cup where we compete against the very best teams in the country. 

BTEC Sport, Activity and Fitness

What skills will I develop and what will I study?

This qualification enables learners to develop sector-specific skills such as sport analysis and sports leadership, and personal skills such as communication, planning, time management and teamwork, through a practical and skills-based approach to learning and assessment.

How will I be assessed?

BTEC Tech Award Sport