‘The overriding aim of the Department is to provide a framework of activity and quality of teaching and learning through which all children have an equal opportunity to derive satisfaction and enjoyment whilst maximising their true potential through sustained participation.’
The Physical Education Department consists of a team of eleven committed teachers and a part-time technician. They are enthusiastic, energetic and keen to meet the needs of all students. The department is highly successful and forward-thinking, with an established reputation for excellence among students, staff and the community. Its great attribute is the breadth of experience which it can offer in both curriculum time and extra-curricular experiences.
Key Stage 3
Pupils have two PE lessons per week and are taught in single sex classes. They experience a broad range of activities which they have the opportunity to develop through extra-curricular experiences and team games. Pupils will participate in rugby, football, netball, hockey, orienteering, gymnastics, fitness, badminton, dance, basketball, cheerleading, athletics, cricket, tennis, softball and rounders. Each sport changes on a half term basis. Pupils will have the opportunity to work as a performer/ coach and referee during Key Stage 3.
Key Stage 4
Pupils have one core lesson a week which is a double period. During Key Stage 4 pupils have the opportunity to really push themselves to attain the highest skill level as well as experience new sports within the community. Pupils have the opportunity to play squash, trampoline and participate in fitness classes at the leisure centre as well as deepen their knowledge and techniques in the sports of Key Stage 3. Pupils also have the opportunity to study PE at GCSE Level and BTEC Level 2.
Key Stage 5
Pupils have a two-period enrichment opportunity on a Wednesday afternoon. Here they may participate in the Level 1 Sports Leaders Award and the Higher Sports Leaders Award (which is worth UCAS points). First team sport is also offered on a Wednesday afternoon and there is also participation events where pupils are encouraged to come and be active to help them maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Pupils have the opportunity to study PE at A Level and BTEC Level 3.
Staff
- Mr J Greenwood (Head of Department)
- Mrs K Castle
- Mr M Castle
- Miss A Grainger
- Mrs C Jones
- Mr G Key
- Mr P Smithies
- Miss L Monk
Intent & implementation
The overriding aim of the Department is to provide a framework of activity and quality of teaching and learning through which all children have an equal opportunity to derive satisfaction and enjoyment whilst maximising their true potential through sustained participation.
The core values of sport –resilience, leadership, self-confidence, respect, empathy, discipline and teamwork are fostered through an environment which provides opportunities for students to compete at form, school, county , regional and national standard. This will develop the ambition to take part in clubs outside of school and in doing so support positive outcomes for the ‘whole child’ to make a positive contribution to our communities.
Our curriculum promotes an active and healthy lifestyle focussing on the enjoyment and love of activity which in turn will lead to the development of physical, social and emotional well-being.
The teaching situation involves all students being as active as possible with competence and understanding being acquired through participation in all activities. Health is a common theme that runs through all aspects of the P.E. curriculum and we encourage an active lifestyle, improving general fitness, strength, stamina and endurance. We endeavour to enable all of our students to become successful learners who have the confidence and responsibility to make a positive contribution in the community.
In Key stage 3 the emphasis is on a broad curriculum to enable the child to experience a wide range of sports and ignite an interest which inspires them to take part in the huge range of extra-curricular clubs on offer. This will foster deeper learning and excellence. With 11 members of staff there is a range of expertise to draw upon to during subject delivery. The department are both innovative and forward thinking in their approach. Students are then able to apply their knowledge to GCSE or BTEC sport at Key stage 4 and develop this further to A level or Level 3 BTEC in the 6th form.
The core PE programme in KS4 allows all students to follow a pathway to suit their needs. While also introducing pupils to new opportunities within the community to participate (e.g. squash / fitness classes), the structure of the classes allows a greater depth of study and understanding in sports where core skills are already embedded, developing individual attainment and excellence. The emphasis is on an active and healthy lifestyle whilst allowing pupils to foster a love of sport and activity which best suits their interests and needs.
Curriculum Maps
To find out what we are learning about and why, please see the appropriate curriculum map:
Year 7Year 8Year 9Year 10 GCSEYear 10 BTECYear 11 GCSEYear 11 BTECYear 12 BTECYear 13 BTECYear 12 A LevelYear 13 A Level
Developing Cultural Capital
Cultural capital development in PE is the accumulation of knowledge, behaviours, and skills that a pupil can draw upon and which demonstrates their cultural awareness. Within the curriculum pupils are given the chance to develop their leadership and organisation skills, they develop the resilience to cope with failure and recognise success. This is a theme throughout the lessons. Pupils have the opportunity to experience different environments and areas of the county through an extensive extra-curricular programme where they are encouraged to push themselves to their highest standard of performance. Through success in extra-curricular sport at a county level pupils are then able to experience different areas / cultures when competing at regional level – this is a regular feature in gymnastics / cheerleading / rugby and athletics. Pupils are given the opportunity to play for Eden district and the Cumbrian county teams at a variety of sports and again experience different cultures through the travel this entail and by playing with new team mates.
Extracurricular opportunities
There is a very strong commitment to extra-curricular activities from PE and non-specialist staff. Clubs are run at lunchtime and after school. The college enjoys success in many areas of sport including: athletics, badminton, cricket, football, hockey, gymnastics, netball, rugby, rounders, cheerleading and cross-country, and has a high participation rate at lunchtime and after school activities. Many students are involved in district, county, regional and national teams. Staff in the Department have been committed to the organisation and coaching of County groups across a range of activities and undertake overseas and domestic sports tours each year.
