The secondary curriculum review
PE gives pupils the opportunity to participate and achieve in a range of activities as performers, officials and leaders.
Pupils enjoy being physically active as individuals, in groups and in teams. They also enjoy solving problems and performing in creative, competitive and challenging activities.
PE gives pupils an understanding of the important role physical activity plays in a balanced, healthy life. By experiencing a range of activities and developing their skill, competence and confidence, pupils can make informed choices about how they want to get involved in physical activity both at school and in the community.
A high-quality PE programme helps pupils appreciate the positive effect being physically active can have on their overall feeling of well-being. They come to regard it as a vital ingredient in their lives and choose to be physically active on a daily basis. They learn that being active can have a positive impact on stress, anxiety and depression, can increase social opportunities and, when combined with a balanced diet, can lead to the maintenance of a healthy weight and an overall feeling of well-being.
PE gives pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to participate safely and effectively both as individuals and when working in teams. They learn how to create safe environments and how to use safe working practices. This includes wearing appropriate kit, warming up safely and effectively, knowing how to lift and carry safely and ensuring that they and others are safe.
Pupils learn about the risks associated with different activities and how to mitigate those risks while still providing challenge and excitement. They become safety conscious in all that they do without being fearful of attempting challenging activities.
Through PE pupils learn how to work both as individuals and collectively to achieve success. They learn to solve problems by devising plans and discussing, commenting on, reviewing, refining, repeating and carrying out these plans to completion. These are all vital skills that will help equip them for the world of work.
PE helps pupils understand that physical activity can stimulate their minds, give them a sense of well-being and have a positive impact on their lives. Knowing the importance of balancing the demands of a job with physical activity, leisure and social interaction is the key to achieving in the world of work while remaining mentally and physically fit.
PE provides many opportunities for pupils to get involved positively in the life of the school and in the wider community. Pupils gain the confidence to further develop their skills and specialisms outside school by joining local clubs. They may also do voluntary work at school and within the local community, assisting in clubs and other social settings.
PE also provides opportunities for pupils to work collaboratively in a range of settings. They learn how to overcome difficulties, to appreciate their own and others' strengths and weaknesses and to develop their understanding of fairness and personal and social responsibility.
