Learning

PE

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At the King David High School, we believe that Physical Education, delivered in a safe and supportive environment, is a vital contributor to pupils’ physical development, wellbeing and personal growth. A broad and balanced curriculum enables students to build confidence in managing their bodies across a wide range of movement contexts.

Physical Education is a subject where self-esteem, physical progression and positive attitudes are actively fostered and nurtured. All pupils are given the opportunity to succeed, whether through personal achievement or team performance. PE also promotes the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle that pupils can value and sustain into adulthood.

Teaching and learning in PE incorporates a range of approaches, including whole-class, group and individual activities. Staff act as positive role models and highlight high-quality performance to support peer learning. The curriculum is carefully sequenced and progressive, enabling pupils to develop the procedural fluency needed to think, act and perform like elite sportspeople.

Each lesson has clear learning objectives supported by success criteria, allowing pupils to understand how progress is achieved. Learning is reviewed at the end of every lesson, with plenaries used to highlight good practice and identify next steps.

Overview of the Curriculum (KS3–KS4)

The PE curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of all pupils and abilities, with planned extension activities built into lessons to challenge and support progression. Teaching and assessment align with the National Curriculum, ensuring statutory requirements are met through clearly structured units of work.

Pupils have access to a wide range of activities, including swimming, outdoor education and dance at Key Stages 3 and 4.

Key Stage 3

Year 7

• Teamwork Games: Football, basketball, dodgeball, netball

• Wellbeing Activities: Swimming, health-related fitness

• Creative Activities: Dance, gymnastics, orienteering

• Cooperation: Badminton, table tennis

• Personal Best Activities: Athletics, rounders, cricket

Year 8

• Introduction to rugby, handball and trampolining

• Further development of Year 7 activities

• Increased focus on applying skills within conditioned games and competitive situations

Year 9

• Introduction to volleyball and tennis

• Focus on leadership skills and tactical understanding

• Greater emphasis on decision-making within activities

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, pupils develop leadership values and a deeper understanding of tactics and decision-making within team and individual activities. Pupils learn how to plan and lead structured warm-ups and cool-downs and understand the importance of preparation, recovery and injury prevention.

Assessment and Feedback Approach

Assessment in PE is ongoing and embedded within lessons. Pupils receive regular verbal feedback to support physical progression, skill development and understanding of tactics and strategies. Reflection is built into lessons to encourage pupils to evaluate their own performance and identify areas for improvement.

Staff List and Teacher Specialisms

Mr N Moors – Head of PE

Mr K Barker – Lead Girls’ Netball and Head of Year

Mr C Stockley – Lead Girls’ Football and KS3 Basketball

Examples of Classroom Learning and Student Work

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Resources, Revision Guides & Homework Expectations

Where appropriate, pupils are encouraged to reinforce learning through reflection on performance, leadership preparation and physical literacy tasks. GCSE pupils also access targeted sessions to support examination requirements and practical performance.

Extra-Curricular Clubs and Enrichment Opportunities

The department offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities before school and at lunchtime. Following a curriculum and student voice review in September 2025, both curriculum content and extra-curricular provision were refined to better reflect pupil interests.

Clubs typically attract 20–40 pupils and include:

• Netball

• Girls’ and Boys’ Football

• Basketball

• Swimming (Girls and Boys)

• Table Tennis

• Badminton (open to all)

• Morning and lunchtime fitness clubs

• GCSE PE support sessions

Sports captains and student voice roles play an important part in the department. Pupils apply through an internal interview process and support house competitions, team selection, communication and curriculum feedback.

The department actively communicates with key stakeholders, including parents, governors and senior leaders, and celebrates success through newsletters and social media. Regular department meetings focus on curriculum development, pupil progress and continuous improvement.

Career Pathways Linked to the Subject

Physical Education develops a wide range of transferable skills, including leadership, teamwork, resilience, communication and problem-solving. These skills support progression into careers such as:

• Sport and fitness industries

• Coaching and leadership

• Physiotherapy and sports science

• Teaching and education

• Health and wellbeing sectors

• Public services and youth work

Contact Information

For further information about Physical Education at King David High School, please contact the school office.