Physical Education Curriculum
Intent of Physical Education
We aim to develop with all students through our PE programme and extra curricular provision a range of key concepts that enables everyone the opportunity to enjoy and succeed in many kinds of physical activity. These concepts are embedded in our lessons, most notably at Key Stage 3, which aid students' understanding and development whilst supporting their progress when performing in a wide range of physical activities, either in individual or group scenarios.
Many of our students take up the opportunity to study PE at examination level in Key Stage 4-5. We are, also, keen with all non examined students in Key Stage 4 to explore pathways, accredited courses and options that maintains their engagement and commitment to being physically active.
We also aim to develop students’ confidence and broaden skills when physically performing, especially those of tactical awareness, decision making, teamwork, collaboration, leadership, competitiveness, creativity, and aesthetic appreciation.
These concepts and skills, together with the development of positive values and attitudes in PE, provide a foundation of the attributes required for our students to succeed across an array of sports, and to support the lifelong learning of the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle.
Threads of powerful knowledge in Physical Education
The key concepts that underpin the study of PE at Thurston are:
- accurate replication of actions, phrases and sequences,
- performing at maximum levels in relation to speed, height, distance, strength or accuracy,
- identifying and solving problems to overcome challenges of an adventurous nature or through leadership,
- exercising safely and effectively to improve health and wellbeing.
TCC PE Concepts further explained
Outwitting opponents: This includes activities in which the concept of success is to overcome an opponent or opponents in a face-to-face competition. Opponents can directly affect each other’s performance and the key is to outwit the opposition. Outwitting opponents occurs in invasion games, net/wall games, striking and fielding games.
Accurate replication: This includes activities in which success is judged on the ability to repeat actions, phrases and sequences of movement as perfectly as possible.
Exploring and communicating ideas, concepts and emotions: This includes activities in which success is considered in relation to how well a performer or choreographer expresses ideas, feeling, concepts or emotions to communicate artistic or choreographic intentions to an audience. Dance styles could include capoeira, contemporary dance.
Performing at maximum levels: This includes activities in which success is measured by personal best scores or times, and in competition by direct comparison with others’ scores or times.
Identifying and solving problems: This includes activities in which success is judged on how efficiently and safely challenges are overcome, along with the ways students take on roles in such situations.
Exercising safely and effectively: This includes activities in which success is related to improving feelings of health, fitness and wellbeing. Goals might include emotional wellbeing, healthy weight management, toned muscles, and a healthy heart.
Cultural reading and enrichment opportunities in PE include
- Daily lunchtime clubs for all abilities in a range of activities
- After school inter school events to stretch and challenge more able students
- Termly Intra school tutor competitions to allow more competitive opportunities
- Sixth form trips to universities, overseas visits, etc
- PE focus enrichment week activities both in school and offsite
Links to Further Information