The secondary curriculum review
The revised programme of study now identifies the need for pupils to develop skills in a wider range of contexts as leaders and officials as well as performers.
Greater flexibility has been created by focussing curriculum opportunities around the different ways of thinking that contribute to success in PE. These are:
This gives departments much more choice when selecting the activities that most suit the aspirations and preferences of their pupils. For example, activities that require an understanding of outwitting an opponent range from fencing to hockey, water polo and karate. Departments are free to select the activities they teach in order to develop pupils' physical competence, their ability to perform and their understanding of healthy, active lifestyles.
An additional opportunity focuses on developing pupils' understanding of the concepts that underpin effective and safe exercising for personal health and well-being. The stronger emphasis on physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle provides opportunities to work across the curriculum with subjects such as science, food technology and PSHE. It also contributes to cross-curricular themes such as sustainable development and the outcomes of Every Child Matters.
There is now an emphasis on providing clear opportunities for pupils to follow pathways in physical activity in and beyond school, enabling them to specialise and develop specific skills and techniques relevant to their chosen preferences and interests. This is further supported by the need to provide opportunities for all pupils to perform as individuals, in a group or as part of a team in formal competitions or performances to audiences beyond the class or school.
