Curriculum aims
Learning and undertaking activities in physical education contribute to
achievement of the curriculum aims for all young people to become:
- successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve
- confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling
lives
- responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.
The importance of physical education
PE develops students' competence and confidence to take part in a range of
physical activities that become a central part of their lives, both in and
out of school.
A high-quality PE curriculum enables all students to enjoy and succeed in
many kinds of physical activity. They develop a wide range of skills and
the ability to use tactics, strategies and compositional ideas to perform
successfully. When they are performing they think about what they are doing,
analyse the situation and make decisions (IE4
analyse and evaluate information, judging its relevance and value) .
They also reflect on their own and others' performances and find ways to
improve them. As a result, they develop the confidence to take part in different
physical activities and learn about the value of healthy, active lifestyles.
Discovering what they like to do and what their aptitudes are at school
helps them make informed choices (IE6 support
conclusions, using reasoned arguments and evidence) about lifelong
physical activity.
PE helps students develop personally and socially. They work as individuals,
in groups and in teams, developing concepts of fairness and of personal
and social responsibility. They take on different roles and responsibilities,
including leadership, coaching and officiating. Through the range of experiences
that PE offers, they learn how to be effective in competitive, creative
and challenging situations.
Key concepts
There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of PE. Students
need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge,
skills and understanding.
Competence
- Developing control in whole-body and fine manipulation skills.
- Selecting and using skills, tactics and compositional ideas effectively
in different types of physical activity.
- Responding with body and mind to the demands of an activity.
- Being adaptable to a widening range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Performance
- Understanding how to be successful in different types of activity.
- Carrying out actions, roles and responsibilities to bring about successful
outcomes.
- Developing awareness of other participants and audiences that affect
performers.
Creativity
- Using imaginative ways to solve problems and overcome challenges.
- Exploring and experimenting with techniques, tactics and compositional
ideas.
Healthy, active lifestyles
- Understanding that physical activity contributes to the healthy functioning
of the body and mind and is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.
- Recognising that regular physical activity that is fit for purpose,
safe and enjoyable has the greatest impact on physical, mental and social
well-being.
Key processes
These are the essential skills and processes in PE that students need to
learn to make progress.
Developing skills in physical activity
Students should be able to:
- improve the range, difficulty and quality of their skills and techniques
- develop the consistency with which they use and perform skills with
precision, control and fluency.
Being creative and making decisions
Students should be able to:
- select and use tactics, strategies and compositional ideas imaginatively
in complex and demanding situations
- design original and effective plans that improve their own and others'
performance
- design original and effective plans that improve the quality of their
own and others' involvement in healthy, active lifestyles
- respond effectively and imaginatively to changing circumstances as they
arise during a performance.
Developing physical and mental capacity
Students should be able to:
- analyse how mental and physical capacity
affects performance (IE4 analyse and evaluate information, judging its
relevance and value)
- maintain and develop their physical strength, stamina, speed and flexibility
to cope with the demands of different activities and active lifestyles
- prepare mentally for successful involvement in physical activity, performance
and engagement in healthy, active lifestyles.
Evaluating and improving
Students should be able to:
- critically analyse and judge the quality and effectiveness of performances
- make informed decisions about how to improve the quality and effectiveness
of their own and others' performances
- develop and implement imaginative action plans to improve the quality
and effectiveness of performances.
Making informed choices about healthy, active lifestyles
Students should be able to:
- identify the types of physical activity available to them and the roles
they would like to take on
- link physical activity with diet, work and rest for personal health
and well-being
- make informed decisions about getting involved
in a lifetime of healthy physical activities that suit their needs. (IE4
analyse and evaluate information, judging its relevance and value)
Range and content
This section outlines the breadth of the subject on which teachers should
draw when teaching the key concepts and key processes.
The study of PE should include activities that cover at least two of the
following:
- outwitting opponents, as in games activities
- accurate replication of actions, phrases and sequences, as in gymnastic
activities
- exploring and communicating ideas, concepts and emotions, as in dance
activities
- performing at maximum levels in relation to speed, height, distance,
strength or accuracy, as in athletic activities
- identifying and solving problems (IE1 identify
questions to answer and problems to resolve) to overcome challenges
of an adventurous nature, as in life saving and personal survival in swimming
and outdoor activities
- exercising safely and effectively to improve health and well-being,
as in fitness and health activities.
Curriculum opportunities
During the key stage students should be offered the following opportunities
that are integral to their learning and enhance their engagement with the
concepts processes and content of the subject.
The curriculum should provide opportunities for students to:
- get involved in a range of activities that develop the whole body
- experience a range of roles within a physical activity
- specialise in specific activities and roles taking accredited courses
and qualifications where appropriate
- follow pathways to other activities in and beyond school
- perform as an individual, in a group or as part of a team in formal
competitions or performances to audiences beyond the class
- make links between PE and other subjects and areas of the curriculum
- use ICT to assist in planning for improvement and involvement in physical
activity
- work with others to organise, manage, officiate and run festivals, tournaments,
competitions and events both in school and the local community.
