All Hallows Catholic High School
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The Physical Education (PE) curriculum aims to offer all students an ambitious physically orientated in-depth learning experience, promoting health and well-being, with the express aim of developing motor competence along with rules, tactics and strategies encouraging healthy participation and the desire to follow a life of physical activity.
Our programmes of study enable students to develop their physical, mental, social and emotional skills through taking up a range of roles (performer/official/young leader) within the subject area. We aim to facilitate play, physical activity, physical education, sport and active learning, all of which combine to improve physical literacy.
All activities take place within a safe, happy and challenging learning environment in which all students feel secure and confident in their own ability to progress.
We provide the opportunity for our students to access a range of pathways linked to further participation in physical activity and sport across different levels of performance (recreational to elite individual/club level).
Alongside this we educate all students in terms of the opportunities available in further education to obtain qualifications/pursue a career in the sport and health/fitness industry.
At Key Stage 3 all students have at least 2 lessons of Physical Education per week and are taught in single sex ability classes. Please see below for the Curriculum Map.
Due to recent changes in the PE GCSE, theory is now being taught through PE practical lessons in years 7, 8 and 9.
The Physical Education department is pleased to offer two different options; OCR GCSE 9-1 Physical Education and Cambridge National Certificate in Sports Studies. We feel that both awards provide an excellent pathway for our students to follow. Both the Sports Studies and the GCSE Course are worth the equivalent of one GCSE and will both enable students to access college courses. Each course has a ‘practical’ element to lessons and assessment.
At Key Stage 4 all students have 2 hours of core Physical Education per week and are taught in single sex ability classes. Please see below for the Curriculum Map for Year 10 and 11.
Both courses require:
Each course will have 3 x 50 minute lessons.
Programme of Study 2022 – 2023
Our Physical Education curriculum aims to inspire a generation and provides the foundation for independent learning and lifelong participation within physical activity and recreational/competitive sport.
Students are embodied to utilise the skills and knowledge acquired through Physical Education, encouraging them to take responsibility for their own physical development, mental, social and emotional wellness, which in turn will help them lead an active and healthy lifestyle. They will also be able to transfer their skills, knowledge and fitness to support everyday life activities as well as those based on physical challenge.
Students who complete an exam based qualification in Physical Education will be able to progress into the world of work with a nationally recognised qualification and the attributes, experience and the knowledge to be successful in their future career pathway. Our students are given the opportunity and support to achieve the best grades possible which in turn hold them in good stead for achieving their future aspirations.
Homework is in either of the two GCSE theory lessons. Independent study is required after every GCSE theory lesson in order for students to achieve the best they can and to help consolidate learning in lessons. Revision Guides for students are available to purchase from school. Please see Mr Finch for a letter if you wish to purchase one.
All students are also encouraged to extend their learning outside of lesson time by attending extra-curricular clubs that run during and after school and play competitively in a variety of sports in and outside of school
GCSE (9-1) PE includes the compulsory study of: Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Physical Training, Sports Psychology, Socio-Cultural Influences and Health, Fitness and Wellbeing. Alongside this are the practical skills of PE which are examined via the practical assessment within school.
The breakdown for GCSE PE is as follows: Theory Content 60%, Written Assessment 10%, and Practical Assessment 30%. This means that the pupils will sit two written exams for GCSE PE at the end of Year 11:
Students explore how parts of the human body function during physical activity and the physiological adaptations that can occur due to diet and training. They also develop skills in data analysis, and an understanding of the principles of training, why we train in different ways and how training plans can be made to optimise results.
There are two topics:
Students develop their knowledge of the social-cultural and psychological influences on levels of participation in sport, and also how sport impacts on society more broadly. This includes the individual benefits to health, fitness and well-being of participating in physical activity, as well as the influences of commercialisation, sponsorship and the media.
There are three topics:
Students are assessed in performing three practical activities and one performance analysis task. In the practical performance, they demonstrate effective performance, the use of tactics or techniques and the ability to observe the rules and conventions under applied conditions. They are also required to demonstrate their ability to analyse and evaluate their own performance to produce an action plan for improvement.
Due to the weighting of the course being heavily swayed towards theory if a pupil chooses GCSE PE they will receive two theory and one practical lesson per week.
The Cambridge National in Sport Studies offers a practical and engaging approach to learning about sport, physical activity, and leadership. The course is equivalent to a GCSE and is designed to develop a wide range of transferable skills including teamwork, communication, and resilience.
Course Structure
The course is made up of three units, each contributing to the final grade:
R184 – Contemporary Issues in Sport (Mandatory)
– Written Exam – 1 hour 15 minutes
– Worth 40% of the final grade
This unit covers key topics such as participation in sport, the role of sport in society, values promoted through sport, major sporting events, and the role of national governing bodies. There is an opportunity to retake the exam if needed.
R185 – Performance and Leadership in Sports Activities (Mandatory)
– Centre-assessed, practical and written assignment
– Worth 40% of the final grade
Students will be assessed on their ability to: – Perform effectively in two different sports (one team and one individual) – Take on the role of a leader, planning, delivering, and reviewing a sports activity session This unit combines both practical performance and leadership elements.
Optional Units (As a Department we choose one – Worth 20%)
R186 – Sport and the Media
– Centre-assessed, written assignment
– Worth 20% of the final grade
Students explore the relationship between sport and the media, including how media coverage influences participation, public perception, funding, and behaviour. They will analyse different types of media, explore the evolution of media in sport, and evaluate the positive and negative impacts of media on sporting outcomes.
R187 – Increasing Awareness of Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
– Centre-assessed, written assignment
– Worth 20% of the final grade
Students will explore a variety of outdoor and adventurous activities, developing knowledge of: – Different types of activities available in the UK – Associated risks and safety considerations – How to plan and participate in such activities effectively Although participation is part of the unit, the focus is on awareness and planning, not technical ability. Pupils will complete practical elements such as planning routes, identifying equipment, and assessing safety requirements.
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is ideal for pupils with an interest in sport, physical activity, and leadership. Students should be regularly participating in sport both in and out of school and be keen to develop a broad understanding of sport in society. The course supports progression into post-16 education such as A Levels or Level 3 vocational qualifications, and is also highly valued by employers for the transferable skills it develops, including: – Leadership and teamwork – Communication and planning – Problem-solving and decision-making – Confidence and self-discipline
Whether you aspire to work in the sports industry, coaching, teaching, or simply want to build key life skills, this course provides a strong foundation.
Pupils have a wide variety of sports on offer through extra-curricular opportunities. This is inclusive and open to all pupils through after school and lunch time clubs so all pupils can attend.
The school enters all the District leagues and several of the County tournaments. All Hallows has an excellent record at many of these and we are extremely proud of our sporting successes. To ensure that we properly recognise our pupils’ sporting achievements we host an Annual Sports Award Evening, which is attended by over 300 guests.
Ask questions about what your child has learnt in Physical Education. Use websites and the PE website to access revision material. Talk to them about the importance of practice and hard-work to achieve success. Make sure they have the correct PE kit for every lesson. Encourage them to attend as many different extra-curricular clubs as possible; it will help improve their all-round sporting ability.
If your child has a passion for an activity take them to a club outside school to receive specialised coaching and meet new people. Advice can be given by the Physical Education department on suitable local clubs in the area. Make sure your child is aware of the importance of exercise and diet for maintaining health. Finally go and play some sport with your child, its great fun!
The following links provide information on the types of careers available through PE and sport.