PE

Year 7

Summary of curriculum:

The Year 7 PE curriculum builds on and enhances prior KS2 learning. Pupils develop confidence in core physical skills and improve their knowledge and understanding of rules through active participation in a wide range of sports. The introduction of assessment strands encourages deeper thinking and supports the continued development of foundational skills, promoting the expansion of physical literacy.

Main Topics:

·       Development of core physical skills

·       Application of rules and tactics in different sports

·       Participation in individual and team activities

·       Introduction to assessment strands and self-reflection

Assessment throughout the year:

Assessment is ongoing and focuses on physical competence, understanding of rules, application of skills in game situations, and the ability to reflect on performance. Assessment strands are used to support progress and develop deeper understanding.

How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:

·       Encourage regular physical activity outside of school

·       Support participation in school or community sports clubs

·       Discuss the importance of teamwork, resilience, and healthy lifestyles

Character enrichment opportunities:

·       Development of teamwork and leadership skills

·       Building resilience and confidence through physical challenge

·       Opportunities to demonstrate sportsmanship and respect

Useful websites:

·       NHS – Physical activity guidelines

·       Youth Sport Trust

·       Sport England

Year 8

Summary of curriculum:

Building on the foundations and assessment introduced in Year 7, the Year 8 PE curriculum broadens and complements pupils’ knowledge of skills, rules, and regulations. Pupils begin to develop tactical, strategic, and analytical understanding within practical settings, supporting increased confidence and the ability to articulate reasoning in PE.

Main Topics:

·       Refinement and expansion of core physical skills

·       Application of rules and regulations in a variety of sports

·       Introduction of tactical, strategic, and analytical thinking

·       Practical opportunities to demonstrate reasoning and decision-making

Assessment throughout the year:

Assessment focuses on skill development, tactical understanding, and the application of strategic knowledge. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on performance, demonstrating increased confidence and articulation in PE activities.

How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:

·       Encourage discussion about sports tactics and decision-making

·       Support participation in extracurricular sports or clubs

·       Promote practice of skills and understanding of game rules at home or in the community

Character enrichment opportunities:

·       Development of leadership and teamwork skills

·       Confidence-building through practical challenges

·       Encouragement of analytical thinking and problem-solving in sports

Useful websites:

·       Youth Sport Trust

·       Sport England

·       PE Hub

Year 9

Summary of curriculum:

The Year 9 PE curriculum continues to extend pupils’ physical and theoretical competency across sports, fitness, and participation. Through a variety of sporting activities and assessment strands, pupils develop independence and enhance their ability to effectively evaluate performance. The application of tactics and strategies, combined with growing confidence in leadership, fosters a love of physical activity and promotes physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, supporting lifelong learning in PE. Connections to KS4 BTEC criteria are integrated into practical lessons to broaden opportunities in Sport.

Main Topics:

·       Advanced development of physical skills and fitness

·       Application of tactics, strategies, and leadership in practical settings

·       Performance evaluation and independent learning

·       Links to KS4 BTEC Sport examination criteria

Assessment throughout the year:

Assessment focuses on the progression of skills, tactical and strategic understanding, leadership, and the ability to evaluate personal and team performance. Pupils are encouraged to demonstrate independence and reflect critically on their learning.

How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:

·       Encourage participation in diverse physical activities outside school

·       Discuss performance, tactics, and strategic thinking in sports

·       Support engagement with BTEC Sport opportunities or practical projects

Character enrichment opportunities:

·       Development of leadership and teamwork skills

·       Promotion of independence and self-evaluation

·       Building resilience, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation of physical activity

Useful websites:

·       Youth Sport Trust

·       Sport England

·       PE Hub

·       BTEC Sport resources

Year 10

Summary of curriculum:

At KS4, students study the BTEC Level 2 Sport qualification. The course develops an academic understanding of the effects of physical activity on an individual’s wellbeing, building on the physical components established during KS3. This enables students to transfer knowledge from practical contexts into theoretical learning. Units are carefully sequenced to interleave prior knowledge, deepen understanding, and support progression. Alongside this, KS4 Core PE continues to promote physical ability, enjoyment, and lifelong participation in physical activity.

Main Topics:

·       Component 1 Preparing participants to take part in sport and physical activity

·       Component 2 Taking part and improving other participants sporting performance

·       Component 3 Developing fitness to improve other participants performance in sport and physical activity.

Assessment throughout the year:

The vocational pathway offers a range of assessment styles designed to suit the needs of all learners. Assessment includes practical performance, written coursework, analysis and evaluation tasks, and theoretical understanding. This varied approach supports higher-order thinking and allows students to demonstrate learning in different ways.

How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:

·       Encourage engagement with coursework and revision tasks

·       Support a healthy, active lifestyle outside of school

·       Discuss the links between physical activity, health, and wellbeing

·       Encourage positive time management around assessments

Character enrichment opportunities:

·       Development of independence and responsibility

·       Enhanced analytical and evaluative skills

·       Promotion of resilience, confidence, and leadership

·       Understanding the importance of physical health for lifelong wellbeing

Useful websites:

·       Pearson BTEC Sport

·       NHS – Physical Activity and Wellbeing

·       Sport England

·       BBC Bitesize – Sport and Fitness

Year 11

Summary of curriculum:

At KS4, students study the BTEC Level 2 Sport qualification. The course develops an academic understanding of the effects of physical activity on an individual’s wellbeing, building on the physical components established during KS3. This enables students to transfer knowledge from practical contexts into theoretical learning. Units are carefully sequenced to interleave prior knowledge, deepen understanding, and support progression. Alongside this, KS4 Core PE continues to promote physical ability, enjoyment, and lifelong participation in physical activity.

Main Topics:

·       Component 1 Preparing participants to take part in sport and physical activity

·       Component 2 Taking part and improving other participants sporting performance

·       Component 3 Developing fitness to improve other participants performance in sport and physical activity.

Assessment throughout the year:

The vocational pathway offers a range of assessment styles designed to suit the needs of all learners. Assessment includes practical performance, written coursework, analysis and evaluation tasks, and theoretical understanding. This varied approach supports higher-order thinking and allows students to demonstrate learning in different ways.

How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:

·       Encourage engagement with coursework and revision tasks

·       Support a healthy, active lifestyle outside of school

·       Discuss the links between physical activity, health, and wellbeing

·       Encourage positive time management around assessments

Character enrichment opportunities:

·       Development of independence and responsibility

·       Enhanced analytical and evaluative skills

·       Promotion of resilience, confidence, and leadership

·       Understanding the importance of physical health for lifelong wellbeing

Useful websites:

·       Pearson BTEC Sport

·       NHS – Physical Activity and Wellbeing

·       Sport England

·       BBC Bitesize – Sport and Fitness

Year 12

Summary of curriculum:

In Years 12 and 13, students have the opportunity to study the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport. The course follows the Pearson specification and is equivalent in size to one A Level. Students develop an in-depth understanding of the sports industry, human body systems, training principles, and lifestyle factors that affect health and performance. The qualification combines academic study with applied learning, preparing students for further education, training, or employment in the sport and fitness sector.

Main Topics:

·       Careers and employment pathways within the sports industry

·       Research skills and understanding routes into sports-related jobs

·       Detailed study of body systems and their interaction at rest and during exercise

·       Training methods and programme design

·       Lifestyle factors affecting health and performance

·       Structuring, leading, and evaluating physical activity sessions

Assessment throughout the year:

Assessment is varied and follows Pearson BTEC guidelines, including coursework, practical application, research-based assignments, and written tasks. This vocational approach allows students to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and skills across different contexts.

How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:

·       Encourage effective organisation and time management

·       Support independent study and completion of coursework deadlines

·       Promote a healthy, active lifestyle

·       Discuss career aspirations and opportunities within the sports industry

Character enrichment opportunities:

·       Development of leadership and communication skills

·       Increased independence and professionalism

·       Enhanced analytical and evaluative thinking

·       Preparation for higher education and employment pathways

Useful websites:

·       Pearson BTEC Sport

·       UCAS

·       Sport England

·       NHS – Health and Wellbeing

Year 13

Summary of curriculum:

In Years 12 and 13, students have the opportunity to study the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport. The course follows the Pearson specification and is equivalent in size to one A Level. Students develop an in-depth understanding of the sports industry, human body systems, training principles, and lifestyle factors that affect health and performance. The qualification combines academic study with applied learning, preparing students for further education, training, or employment in the sport and fitness sector.

Main Topics:

·       Careers and employment pathways within the sports industry

·       Research skills and understanding routes into sports-related jobs

·       Detailed study of body systems and their interaction at rest and during exercise

·       Training methods and programme design

·       Lifestyle factors affecting health and performance

·       Structuring, leading, and evaluating physical activity sessions

Assessment throughout the year:

Assessment is varied and follows Pearson BTEC guidelines, including coursework, practical application, research-based assignments, and written tasks. This vocational approach allows students to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and skills across different contexts.

How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:

·       Encourage effective organisation and time management

·       Support independent study and completion of coursework deadlines

·       Promote a healthy, active lifestyle

·       Discuss career aspirations and opportunities within the sports industry

Character enrichment opportunities:

·       Development of leadership and communication skills

·       Increased independence and professionalism

·       Enhanced analytical and evaluative thinking

·       Preparation for higher education and employment pathways

Useful websites:

·       Pearson BTEC Sport

·       UCAS

·       Sport England

·       NHS – Health and Wellbeing

Subject contact: Miss K Brown

 Kellybrown@darlaston.graceacademy.org.uk