PE: KS3, 4 and 5

Intent 

The intent of Core PE at KS3, KS4 and KS5 is to provide students with a rich and diverse physical education experience that develops technical skills, tactical understanding, physical fitness, and personal wellbeing across a wide range of sports and activities. The curriculum aims to: 

• Enhance physical competence through participation in invasion games (e.g., rugby, netball, football, hockey, basketball), net games (e.g., volleyball), striking and fielding sports (e.g., cricket, rounders, softball), racket sports (e.g., tennis, badminton, table tennis), athletics, dance, and yoga. 
• Develop cognitive and strategic understanding, including game rules, tactics, decision-making, and performance analysis, encouraging students to apply knowledge in competitive and cooperative settings. 
• Promote personal and social development, fostering teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience, self-confidence, and fair play. 
• Encourage lifelong physical activity by supporting students to build knowledge of health-related fitness, training principles, and wellbeing, enabling informed choices for long-term health and active lifestyles. 

Implementation

Core PE is delivered through a combination of structured lessons, practical sessions, and competitive experiences, adapted to suit the abilities of all students. Implementation strategies include: 

• Skill development: Progressive sessions focusing on technical proficiency, positional awareness, and tactical execution for each sport. 
• Fitness and wellbeing: Health-related exercise sessions, circuits, strength and conditioning, and aerobic activities to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, and overall wellbeing. 
• Game-based learning: Invasion games, net games, striking/fielding games, and racket sports delivered through drills, small-sided games, and full competitive matches to apply skills in realistic contexts. 
• Creative and expressive activities: Dance and yoga to develop coordination, flexibility, mindfulness, and physical literacy, enhancing both physical and mental wellbeing. 
• Reflection and analysis: Students are encouraged to evaluate their performance, set personal goals, and reflect on individual and team development, promoting self-regulation and continuous improvement. 
• Inclusion and safety: Lessons are differentiated to meet individual needs and abilities, with a focus on safe participation, fairness, and positive sporting culture. 

Impact

Through engagement with the Core PE curriculum, students are expected to: 

• Demonstrate improved technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical fitness across a wide range of sports and activities.
• Develop personal qualities including resilience, leadership, teamwork, communication, and self-confidence.
• Understand and apply principles of health-related fitness, training, and wellbeing, supporting lifelong participation in physical activity.
• Show increased enjoyment and motivation in physical activity, fostering positive attitudes toward sport, exercise, and personal health.
• Apply analytical and reflective skills to evaluate performance, set goals, and adapt strategies for personal and team success.