Physical Education

What we offer at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5

Our department offers a broad and balanced sport and fitness diet.  Students will study the following areas over Key Stage 3, 4 & 5:

                
GCSE PE offer

The AQA Physical Education (PE) course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of both the theory and practical elements of physical education. This course is designed to develop students' knowledge of how the body works, the importance of fitness and health, and the role physical activity plays in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Course Structure and Assessments

The course is divided into two main components:

1. Theory (60%)
   • Written Exam (2 hours): The theoretical part of the course is assessed through a final exam at the end of the course, which covers various aspects of physical education, including:

• Physical Systems and the Effects of Exercise: Understanding how the body responds to physical activity, including the cardiovascular, muscular, and respiratory systems.
• Health, Fitness, and Well-being: The importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, mental health, and lifestyle choices.
• Movement Analysis: Principles of movement, biomechanics, and how the body performs different physical activities.
• Sporting Psychology: Psychological factors affecting performance, motivation, and team dynamics.
• Socio-cultural Influences: The impact of culture, society, and opportunities on sport and physical activity, including barriers to participation.
• Health and Safety in Physical Activity and Sport: Safe practice, injury prevention, and the importance of appropriate warm-ups and cool-downs.

1. Practical (40%)
   • Practical Performance: Students are assessed on their ability to perform in three different physical activities, showcasing their skills and techniques. This can include:
     • Team sports (e.g., football, basketball, rugby)
     • Individual sports (e.g., athletics, swimming, gymnastics, climbing, hiking)

Evaluation and Analysis of Performance: Students must demonstrate their ability to evaluate their own and others' performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

Key Skills Developed:

• Practical Performance: Building on core skills through hands-on participation in a variety of sports and physical activities.
• Critical Thinking: Analysing and evaluating the impact of physical activity on health and performance.
• Understanding of Human Biology: Developing an in-depth understanding of how physical activity affects the body systems.
• Teamwork & Leadership: Working collaboratively with peers in both practical and theoretical contexts.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying and solving problems related to physical fitness, performance, and sports strategies.

We offer a high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. It should provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect.

Aims

The national curriculum for physical education aims to ensure that all students:

• develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities

• are physically active for sustained periods of time

• engage in competitive sports and activities

• lead healthy, active lives

KS3 PE Curriculum Map per Year Group

KS3 PE Curriculum Intent per Year Group

Football

Football is an essential component of a Physical Education (PE) curriculum as it promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and strategic thinking.

By incorporating football into PE lessons, students develop a wide range of motor skills, including coordination, balance, and endurance. We look at the key fundamentals of the sport from passing, dribbling, shooting and defending. 

It also fosters communication and cooperation, as players must work together to achieve common goals, such as scoring and defending. Football encourages discipline, as players learn to follow rules, respect  opponents, and practice fair play. Additionally, the sport helps to build confidence and leadership skills, allowing students to take on different roles, whether as players, captains, or team strategists. Overall, football offers a fun and dynamic way to engage students in physical activity while instilling important life skills. 

Netball

A comprehensive netball curriculum aims to introduce students to the fundamental skills such as passing, catching, shooting, footwork, and defensive techniques. The curriculum aims to progresses to more advanced concepts like tactical strategies, game understanding, and positional play. The students will focus on the principles of attack and defence which will develop as they progress through the phases. The curriculum often incorporates both theoretical knowledge and practical application.Additionally, emphasis is placed on  sportsmanship, teamwork, communication, and fair play, equipping them with a range of transferable skills.

Handball

Handball is one of the most skilful, tactical and physical games, with professional men’s and women’s leagues across the globe and played by over 5 million men, women and children worldwide from a fun event to Olympic Games.

The aim of handball curriculum to teach students to perform the core skills/techniques of the game including passing and catching, shooting and faints, attacking and defending team formations, goalkeeping, and learn rules and refereeing. 

They can use these skills in isolated practices and will be able to apply skills and techniques in a competitive situation. Participants would be able to demonstrate some level of control, precision and fluency across a range of handball skills. Students will be able to give analysis of their own and others handball performances. Throughout handball practice students will be able to demonstrate a basic level of fitness and identify immediate effects of physical activity on their body. Students will learn to use specific handball terminology. Students would perform in a fully competitive handball match (7 versus 7), demonstrating the skills appropriate to their chosen position.

Rugby 

All students regardless of year group or gender experience a unit of rugby union within their PE lessons. Within this sport students can learn about new skills, rules and apply techniques in a competitive situation. Pupils will follow basic tactics and principles to aid performance. They will show a desire to improve upon their performance and compete against peers. Students will be able to follow simple rule structures. Through this exposure in the curriculum students then get the opportunity to attend festivals such as the RFU touch rugby competition that was held at East London Rugby club.

Gymnastics

The curriculum begins with basic movements and progresses to more advanced techniques as students develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness. It focuses on mastering fundamental skills such as rolls, balances and basic jumps. Students also learn about proper body alignment, form, and technique to perform skills safely and effectively, through structured exercises and drills. As students advance, they explore routines, choreography, and performance aspects of gymnastics, developing creativity and expression. The curriculum aims to cultivate physical fitness, motor skills, confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the sport of gymnastics.

Dance

A dance curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various dance styles, techniques, and choreographic principles. It typically includes both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students begin by learning basic dance techniques, terminology, expression, dynamics and principles of movement as well as stage presence. The curriculum often includes opportunities for improvisation and creative exploration, allowing students to develop their artistic voice and individual style. They engage in choreographic projects, group collaborations fostering creativity, self-expression, and artistic interpretation. Throughout the curriculum, emphasis is placed on technique, artistry, and storytelling.

Badminton

Here, we look at the fundamentals of a classic sport which is popular throughout the world and over time develop these fundamentals into more advanced skills and tactics. Students will experience cooperative learning throughout their badminton lessons helping each other become proficient performers. A key element of badminton is being able to outwit an opponent using the skills learnt which will also make up a key part of each lesson. Developing a secure knowledge of the rules and tactics one can use in the game. There is also a nice crossover with other racket sports which are studied at George Greens’ school. 

Tennis

Tennis is an excellent sport offering students the opportunity to develop both individual and team-based skills. It promotes physical fitness, enhancing agility, coordination, and endurance. 

Through tennis, students can also learn important life skills such as perseverance, sportsmanship, strategic thinking, and time management. We cover all the key skills from serving, ground shots, to volleys. 

As a lifelong sport, it provides students with the ability to stay active and healthy beyond school years. By incorporating tennis into the curriculum, schools encourage students to engage in a fun, challenging activity that fosters both mental and physical well-being.

Table Tennis

Table tennis is a sport played on a community level and high standard within PE at George Green’s School. All students experience a table tennis unit in most year groups where they can pick up the basic skills and rules needed to play the game. We then further develop these skills with extracurricular clubs for those that want to further develop in this sport. We give students the chance to play at the outside tables during lunchtime with friends as well as entering our students into competitions. As it stands, George Green’s is currently the Tower Hamlets champions in KS3 & KS4. Many students who select to study GCSE PE use table tennis as one of their assessed sports. 

Pickle ball

Pickleball is a fantastic addition to a Physical Education (PE) curriculum as it combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it accessible and enjoyable for students of all skill levels. This fast-paced sport promotes cardiovascular health, agility, and hand-eye coordination, while also teaching teamwork and communication when played in doubles. With its smaller court size and slower ball speed, pickleball offers a great entry point for students to learn the fundamentals of racket sports.  The sport encourages competitive play making it versatile and adaptable for different age groups. Moreover, pickleball’s emphasis on strategy, such as positioning and shot selection, helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Its inclusive nature and ease of learning make pickleball a valuable addition to any PE program.

OAA

"OAA" refers to Outdoor Adventurous Activities.  The curriculum is designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience while fostering an appreciation for nature and the outdoors. Students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, overcome challenges, and develop confidence. Overall, the OAA curriculum aims to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that promote personal growth, leadership skills, and a lifelong appreciation for outdoor activities and environmental stewardship.

Head of Physical Education: Mr Andrew Moat, amoat@georgegreens.com