WHY ARE WE TEACHING A KNOWLEDGE-RICH CURRICULUM; HOW IS IT DIFFERENT?

Our knowledge rich curriculum is purposefully sequenced, delivered and assessed using the principles of ‘Know, Show, Grow’ concepts’. This method of delivery and assessment gives a subject specific focus to the whole learner and the qualities that can be developed through Physical Education and not just the practical ability of a student.

Pupils will develop a deep and meaningful understanding of how their own body works, values to promote sportsmanship, leadership and physical competency in a range of activities in order to support lifelong involvement in physical activity and the health and well-being benefits that comes from this lifestyle.

Why are we teaching it in this order?

The aim is to provide a high-quality physical education experience that inspires students to achieve a high level of competency and enjoyment, therefore promoting lifelong participation, health and well-being.

Year 7:-  basic skills and techniques are introduced to be able to develop physical competence and play each sport or activity, also to understand and apply basic sporting rules in each sport.

Year 8:- skills are further developed to be able to outwit opponents through attacking and defensive principles.

Year 9:-  skills continued to be developed along with a development of tactics and strategies to be successful in the sport or activity. Students will also experience different roles within a sport or activity and develop skills that are required in these roles.

Throughout each year group pupils are encouraged to transfer fundamental principles and tactics between sports and activities. For example students may transfer attacking principles developed in netball to a game of basketball.

As pupils move into KS4 the physical competencies are further developed with the use of advanced skills and techniques along with health and well-being activities. Life skills are introduced on the back of KS3 head, Heart, Hands. These life skills are designed to further develop qualities and skills through the use of Physical Education that are valuable to students as they progress into future careers. Key leadership skills are delivered through a leadership course culminating in a student led sports festival for primary school students in the summer term.

How does our curriculum match the ambition of the National Curriculum?

Our curriculum teaches the students to understand what makes a performance effective and how to apply these principles to their own and others’ work. They should develop the confidence and interest to get involved in exercise, sports and activities out of school and in later life, and understand and apply the long-term health benefits of physical activity

How does the curriculum build on that from Key Stage 2?

Our PE curriculum allows our pupils to build on and embed the physical development and skills learned in key stages 1 and 2, such as:

Locomotor skills: athletic events and team sports

Object control skills: basketball, cricket, handball, football, netball, rugby, tennis

Stability skills: - gymnastics, dance

It allows them to become more competent, confident and expert in their techniques, and apply them across the different sports and physical activities that we offer, both recreationally and competitively

WHAT DO PUPILS NEED TO REMEMBER AND BE ABLE TO DO IN THIS SUBJECT?

• Specific anatomy and physiology linked to physical education and the effects of exercise, health, fitness and wellbeing principles and apply these into either practical applications.
• An understanding of how to apply this to their own life for health, wellbeing and to keep themselves physically fit whilst developing physical competency, self-confidence and enjoyment in sport and physical activity.
• Specific rules, tactics, skills and techniques to develop physical competency and enjoyment in a range of practical sports and activities.
• Skills and qualities required to fulfil other roles within sport such as a leader, official or a coach.

What methods do we use to help pupils secure this knowledge in long-term memory?

Teachers within the PE department use a variety of methods to help pupils secure knowledge and be able to demonstrate physical skills and techniques into a range of practical situations.

Low stakes quizzing takes place at the start of every lesson to test students’ understanding of knowledge rich curriculum topics delivered in previous lessons. New content from students' knowledge organisers are also delivered and re-taught and practised regularly to ensure it is embedded into student’s long term memory.

Extra-Curricular

Students are encouraged to participate in recreational activity, alongside intra & inter school competitions. Students have access to a wide range of clubs and competitions throughout the year and their success is celebrated at the Annual Sports Awards Presentation Evening.

To view the PE Curriculum Overview click here.

More information on the PE Department can be found here.