Aims
The Physical Education Department aims to provide an inclusive physical education programme through a wide variety of fun, structured and enjoyable activities. The learning environment provides the best opportunity for students to achieve their full potential and this is achieved through a tangible, positive and calm atmosphere which promotes healthy competition in a respectful and safe manner.
The subject is delivered by knowledgeable and enthusiastic professionals, who promote sport and physical education in a caring and supportive manner. Staff are friendly, approachable and fair, they have a wide range of expertise and are committed to ensuring the highest possible standards for all students in their care.
Throughout the delivery of the curriculum physical, emotional well being and positive mental health are promoted.
Our aim is to help all learners develop a positive attitude to, and enjoyment of PE whilst maintaining progress, celebrating their achievements, building confidence and raising standards. We hope to achieve this by:
- Providing a supportive and motivating learning environment
- Encouraging learners to extend their knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of sports and activities
- Encouraging students to develop their social and leadership concepts by participating in a curriculum pathway
- Allowing all students the opportunity to develop their personal skills and fulfil their potential by improving confidence, self-esteem and their self
- Encouraging students to be progress orientated and to work effectively as a team
- Promote independent learning
- Encourage learners to become reflective in their work
- Inspire positive thinkers through growth mind set
- Deliver physically engaging lessons to engage all learner groups and individualise learning experiences
- Promote SMSC through team work and supporting each other
- Ensure learners have the opportunities to gain recognised PE/sport qualifications from Year 10 onwards
- Understanding students have different learning preferences and applying our teaching styles to take these into account
Courses currently offered:
When students arrive at Mary Astell their academic ability in PE is assessed across a range of sports/activities to get an average baseline grade. The data collected from this assessment, combined with information received from previous schools, aids in the setting of a target grade to work towards and can be used to identify the suitable qualification pathway for each individual student. The PE curriculum pathway and qualifications delivered are outlined below.
Sports Leaders Level 1 & 2
This qualification is designed for learners with an interest in health and fitness, coaching and playing an active healthy lifestyle in sport. It will give students an insight into coaching, fitness and building subject knowledge into sports.
This qualification is equivalent to a GCSE qualification D-G or 3-1 for level 1. For level 2 this is equivalent to a C at GCSE or 4 on the 1-9 system.
Throughout the delivery of this qualification, the following core areas and transferable skills should be evident:
- communication
- problem-solving skills
- research skills
- planning
- health and safety
Year 10 and 11
Along with the offer of the above qualifications, students in Year 10 and 11 will also be able to undertake a range of sports and activities which do not lead to a qualification similar to the Year 9 curriculum.
Sports/Activities offered from a range of:
- Football
- Netball
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Table Tennis
- Health and Fitness
- Cricket
- Tennis
- Outdoor Adventurous Activities