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Physical Education

The Physical Education curriculum at Ernest Bevin Academy aims to inspire all students to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. We provide opportunities for students to become physically confident in a way that supports their health and fitness, while developing valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.

Our approach emphasizes both participation and performance, ensuring that all students, regardless of their starting ability, can develop physically, emotionally, and socially through a broad range of sporting activities. We believe that physical education creates habits for lifelong activity and wellbeing, while also providing pathways for those with sporting talent to excel.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum provides a broad foundation in physical activity through a range of sports and activities. Students experience different roles including performer, leader, and official. Each activity focuses on developing specific skills, tactics, and strategies while promoting physical fitness.

Year 7

Autumn Term

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Basketball
  • Health-related fitness

Spring Term

  • Gymnastics
  • Handball
  • Athletics (indoor)
  • Swimming

Summer Term

  • Cricket
  • Tennis
  • Athletics (track and field)
  • Rounders

Year 8

Autumn Term

  • Football (advanced)
  • Rugby (contact)
  • Basketball
  • Fitness training methods

Spring Term

  • Gymnastics (apparatus)
  • Volleyball
  • Badminton
  • Swimming (stroke development)

Summer Term

  • Cricket (hardball)
  • Athletics (specialization)
  • Tennis
  • Softball

Year 9

Autumn Term

  • Football (tactics and strategies)
  • Rugby (game strategies)
  • Basketball (advanced play)
  • Sports leadership

Spring Term

  • Advanced gymnastics
  • Volleyball (game play)
  • Badminton (singles and doubles)
  • Personal fitness programs

Summer Term

  • Cricket (competitive games)
  • Athletics (competition)
  • Tennis (tournament play)
  • Officiating and coaching

Key Skills Development

Throughout Key Stage 3, students develop:

  • Physical competence and confidence
  • Knowledge and understanding of concepts like tactics, strategies, and composition
  • Evaluation skills to improve performance
  • Understanding of health and fitness principles
  • Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills

Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)

At Key Stage 4, all students continue with core PE lessons focused on developing lifelong participation in physical activity. Additionally, students can opt to study for a GCSE in Physical Education or a BTEC qualification in Sport.

Core PE

All students participate in Core PE (2 hours per week) focusing on:

  • Developing advanced skills and tactics in team sports (football, basketball, rugby, cricket)
  • Individual activities (athletics, fitness, badminton, tennis)
  • Leadership and officiating roles
  • Health and fitness for life
  • Recreational sporting activities

Students are given more choice in the activities they pursue, encouraging ownership and enjoyment of physical activity that will hopefully continue beyond school.

GCSE Physical Education (AQA)

This course combines theoretical knowledge (60%) with practical performance (40%):

Theory Components:

  • Applied anatomy and physiology
  • Movement analysis
  • Physical training
  • Sports psychology
  • Socio-cultural influences
  • Health, fitness and well-being

Practical Assessment:

  • Performance in three different physical activities (one team, one individual, one choice)
  • Analysis and evaluation of performance

BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport

This vocational qualification focuses on the application of sporting knowledge:

Units include:

  • Fitness for Sport and Exercise (external assessment)
  • Practical Sports Performance
  • Training for Personal Fitness
  • Leading Sports Activities

This course is ideal for students who prefer coursework-based assessment and those considering careers in sports coaching, fitness instruction, or sports leadership.

Assessment

Core PE is assessed through continuous teacher assessment against skill development criteria and participation levels.

GCSE PE is assessed through two written examinations (60%), practical performance in three activities (30%), and a written performance analysis (10%).

BTEC Sport is primarily assessed through coursework (75%) with one externally assessed unit (25%).

Additional Sporting Opportunities

School Teams and Competitions

Ernest Bevin Academy has a strong tradition of competitive sport. We field teams in numerous sports including football, rugby, basketball, cricket, athletics, and swimming. Our teams compete in local, regional, and national competitions, providing valuable competitive experience for talented performers.

Extra-curricular Clubs

We offer a wide range of lunchtime and after-school clubs for students of all abilities, including football, basketball, cricket, fitness, badminton, tennis, and athletics. These clubs encourage participation, skill development, and enjoyment of sport beyond curriculum time.

Sports Leaders Program

Students can undertake Sports Leadership qualifications and gain experience in coaching, officiating, and organizing sporting events. Our Sports Leaders work with local primary schools, assist with sports days, and help run intra-school competitions.

Sports Tours and Special Events

We organize annual sports tours, inter-house competitions, and special events such as Sports Day and charity sporting challenges. These provide opportunities for students to represent their school, develop camaraderie, and experience the wider sporting world.

How Parents Can Help

  • Encourage regular physical activity outside of school
  • Support attendance at extra-curricular clubs and fixtures
  • Ensure students have appropriate PE kit and equipment
  • Promote healthy lifestyle choices regarding nutrition, hydration, and rest
  • Watch and discuss sporting events together to develop understanding and appreciation
  • For GCSE/BTEC students, help with revision of theoretical concepts
  • Consider local sports clubs for additional development in preferred activities

Useful Resources

PE Department Information

GCSE PE Resources

Health and Fitness