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PE - Physical Education

What is PE?

PE is the study of Physical Education and how we learn new skills, techniques and strategies to compete at increasingly more challenging levels. We aim to improve technical performance and strategies to outwit opposition. Participation in both team and individual activities encourages a focus on the benefits of participation from a physical, mental and social well being perspective encouraging the students to learn good habits in leading happy healthy lifestyles.

Why do we teach PE at Sunnydown?

PE is a core subject and is taught across both Key stages with an option for examination PE in Key Stage 4. With a range of abilities there are varying focusses dependent upon the child, however, the concepts of teamwork, communication, fairness, respect and resilience apply to all. We educate the students on how to maintain healthy lifestyles through a variety of sporting experiences so that they can make informed decisions on their health as adults. We encourage the students to experience the joy of progressing in areas of skill as well as the benefits that come from being part of a team, which is why the House System plays a fundamental role in many activities enabling the students to represent their house in competition with a focus on participation. We give the students opportunities for competitive situations within our community and beyond to enhance an outward looking experience.

How do we teach PE at Sunnydown?

In KS3 we have 1 hour of PE and either 1 ½ or 2 hours of Games, with an additional hour of Swimming and cycling in Year 7 and 8. In KS4 we have 2 hours of Games plus an additional 2 hours of PE for those boys who choose it as a GCSE option. The latter is taught as 1 hour practical and 1 hour theory.

We use a variety of different sports and activities, both individual and team sports, to encourage the students to learn and develop new skills. A spiral approach ensures that planning builds upon prior learning to try and avoid gaps. These are then employed in increasingly challenging situations, appropriate to ability, to allow the students to apply their skills and knowledge. Team games give the students the opportunity to work with others and where possible take on leadership roles empowering them to experience the role of leader. There are opportunities to represent both individual Houses and the school in competition, with a focus on participation as opposed to Elite sport. We remain mindful that there may be some students that excel in a specific sport or sports who may need additional challenges. Skills and knowledge learned in KS3 are applied every half term in an Outdoor Adventurous Activity as part of the Friday Curriculum. Whereas the focus for PE lessons has a specific skill/knowledge focus, Games lessons are more focused around application of skills, teamwork, leadership and fairplay.

How does PE change at KS4?

At KS4 the boys will get 2 hours of Games unless they choose GCSE PE which will give them an additional 1 hour of practical PE and 1 hour of PE theory. There will still be an emphasis on teamwork and fairplay, however, there will be an increased expectation for students to be more independent and for them to develop leadership skills. There will still be a significant emphasis on the house system and wherever possible outside competition. The students will learn how to use fitness equipment safely, encouraging them to maintain good health after they leave Sunnydown. The Sports Ed Structure to PE allows students to take on roles in order to play a part in their team.