Physical Education

Key Stage 3

Intent:

We aim to instil core values such as resilience, mutual respect, and teamwork (meeting the KS3 aim of developing character and embedding values through sport), as well as offering students the opportunity to participate in competitive sports through our extensive extracurricular programme and sporting academy pathways.

Our Physical Education programme not only promotes a healthy, active lifestyle but also opens doors to a variety of career opportunities, such as Sports Scientist, Professional Athlete, Coach, Events Manager, Sports Psychologist, or Teacher. Our curriculum is carefully designed to meet the statutory requirements of the KS3 National Curriculum, with its core aims being:

Offering a wide range of activities that challenge and stretch pupils’ abilities (covering team and individual sports, creative and competitive activities)
Encouraging students to use tactics and strategies to overcome opponents in competitive situations.
Developing leadership, independence, and responsibility through student-led activities
Introducing students to theoretical knowledge including Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Sociocultural Influences, and Sports Psychology

At Brayton, talented students can progress into our Netball and Rugby academies, receiving expert coaching focused on technical and tactical mastery. These opportunities instil values such as hard work, commitment, respect, and sportsmanship—ensuring our students are well-prepared to perform optimally and develop a lifelong love of physical activity.

Implementation:
Our KS3 PE curriculum is structured to build progression in line with the National Curriculum requirements:

In Year 7, students focus on mastering the fundamental movement skills (NC: “develop their technique and improve their performance in competitive sport and other physical activities”).
In Years 8 and 9, these skills are consolidated and applied in small-sided games, competitive situations, and through a greater emphasis on tactical awareness and decision-making (NC: “develop and use a range of tactics and strategies to overcome opponents”).
Across all three years, students are introduced to applied anatomy, physiology, and sports psychology, giving them the foundations of theoretical knowledge that are further explored in GCSE PE (NC: “analyse their performances compared to previous ones and demonstrate improvement”).
We use the “Head, Heart, Hands” model of self-assessment to ensure holistic progress:
Head: Knowledge and decision-making (NC: “develop knowledge of how to evaluate and improve performance”).
Heart: Attitude, resilience, and teamwork (NC: “develop character and embed values such as fairness and respect”).
Hands: Physical execution of skills and techniques (NC: “develop their technique and improve performance”).
At the beginning of each term, students complete a self-assessment against sporting descriptors and set personal targets linked to the “Head, Heart, Hands” framework. This approach allows for individual progress, reflection, and personal responsibility (NC: “take part in competitive sports and activities outside school through community links or sports clubs”). Students are encouraged to extend their learning through a wide range of clubs, fixtures, and academy programmes, ensuring that competitive sport and personal excellence are available to all (directly fulfilling the NC expectation for “competitive opportunities both in and beyond school”).

Key Stage 4

Intent:

At Brayton, we recognise the importance of leading an active and healthy lifestyle, which is promoted through a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum. Physical exercise is fundamental, enabling students to perform everyday tasks and improve their quality of life and life expectancy. Through PE, students are taught to access higher-level skills and apply them in competitive situations with confidence. We aim to instil core values such as resilience (growth mindset) and mutual respect, as well as offering students the opportunity to participate in competitive sports through our extensive extracurricular program and sporting academy pathways.

Our Physical Education program not only promotes a healthy, active lifestyle but also opens doors to a variety of career opportunities, such as Sports Scientist, Professional Athlete, Coach, Events Manager, Sports Psychologist, or Teacher.

Our curriculum is carefully designed to meet the needs of all students, with its core aims being:

Offering a wide range of activities that challenge and stretch pupils’ abilities.
Encouraging students to use tactics and strategies to overcome opponents in competitive situations.
Developing leadership and independence through student-led activities.

Introducing students to the theory of PE, including Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Sociocultural Influences, and Sports Psychology.

Key Stage 4 PE

In Years 10 and 11, students have the option to take GCSE PE, following the OCR specification. The course spans one academic year and consists of six lessons per week, divided into the following areas:

Theory Lessons:
- Two lessons focus on Physical Factors Affecting Performance, covering applied anatomy and physiology.
- Two lessons cover Socio-cultural Issues and Sports Psychology, exploring the wider impact of sport on society and understanding mental processes related to athletic performance.
Practical Lessons:
- Two lessons are dedicated to refining practical skills in sports from the GCSE specification. Students focus on mastering both core and advanced techniques, performing with accuracy, control, and fluency. They also develop decision-making and tactical awareness to elevate their performance in competitive situations.

Core PE in Year 10

In addition to the GCSE course, Year 10 core PE is designed to cater to all students, whether or not they are pursuing GCSE PE. Core PE is divided into three strands:

GCSE Sport:
This strand is for students currently enrolled in or preparing for GCSE PE in Year 11. They focus on sports from the GCSE specification, developing advanced skills and refining their performance. Decision-making and tactical application are also emphasized, ensuring students are well-prepared for competitive assessments.
Elective Sports Strands:
Students who are not taking GCSE PE are offered a choice between two sports strands each term, which they complete on a four-week cycle. This includes traditional sports like rugby, football, and badminton, as well as alternative options like lacrosse, hockey, and Zumba. This flexible approach is designed to boost student engagement and ensure that all students stay active and motivated.

By offering a wide range of options, Brayton ensures that all students remain engaged, active, and motivated in physical education, while also preparing them for further qualifications or lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.

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