Physical Education

The importance of Physical Education

Physical education develops students’ physical competence and confidence and their ability to use these to perform in a range of different activities.  It promotes physical skilfulness, physical development and a knowledge of the body in action.

Physical education provides opportunities for students to be creative, competitive and face up to different challenges as individuals and in groups and teams.  It promotes positive attitudes towards active and healthy lifestyles.

Students learn how to think in different ways to suit a wide variety of creative, competitive and challenging activities.  They learn how to plan, perform and evaluate actions, ideas and performances to improve their quality and effectiveness.  Through this process students discover their aptitudes, abilities and preferences and make informed choices about how to get involved in lifelong physical activity.

In physical education ALL students participate through Key Stages 3 and 4 and the option to extend their knowledge through the academic/theory elements begins in Key Stage 4 with the option of GCSE Physical Education and then with further extension at Key Stage 5 through the academic route of AS/A2 Level Physical Education.

In Key Stage 4 the GCSE Physical Education option offers the students the opportunity to follow both the practical element (60%) and the theory of physical education (40%). This course offers the students an insight into the Health, Fitness and the factors affecting performance and the social and cultural factors affecting participation through sport and physical education.

In Key Stage 5 the AS/A2 Level Physical Education option offers the students the ability to build and develop their experience and knowledge from Key Stage 4 to enhance their knowledge and increase their understanding of the factors that affect performance and participation in physical education. The course is aimed to develop the students with skills and knowledge required for higher education or the world of work. The AS level course is (60%) theory and (40%) practical and the A2 level course is the AS grades plus (30%) theory and (20%) practical.   

Physical Education is about students learning about themselves, their capabilities, their potential and their limitations.  It is the foundation of all sports participation. However it goes beyond individuals understanding themselves – it is learning how to work with and to respect others.

Exercise activates your brain and gives you the energy for everything else, the energy to be enthusiastic about your work.  In this way Physical Education impacts on all subjects a student studies in school.