Head of Department: Ross Knapper

The Physical Education Department aims to contribute to the general education of every pupil in the school in the following ways:

1) the intellectual development of pupils through the investigation and understanding of games and physical activities, enabling pupils to appreciate skill and competence as a participant, involved observer and informed spectator.

2) the personal and social education of pupils by teaching the importance of self-discipline and effective co-operation with others, appreciating individual capabilities.

3) the development of physical skills resulting in individual pupil's sense of personal achievement and technical knowledge, and the ability to apply them safely.

4) the education of pupils in the relationship between health and fitness, why this is important and how to keep themselves fit and active after they have left school.

All pupils will participate in Physical Education throughout their school career. In addition pupils will be offered the option of a two-year GCSE course incorporating both theory and practical work. GCSE PE results are consistently very good year on year, with dedicated staff working closely with pupils.

Regular inter-form fixtures provide all pupils with the opportunity to compete against their peers. In addition, the Department offers many extra-curricular activities. These activities will include clubs in many of the major team and individual sports which will compete in local and national competitions. All pupils are encouraged to attend clubs and take part in the inter-form competitions. Regular Saturday morning rugby fixtures provide extra opportunities for competition. Students are also offered opportunities to participate in a variety of outdoor pursuits at the Xscape, Abbey Hill GC and Mega Bowl in Milton Keynes, and at our centre in Longrigg.

In the Sixth Form, students are offered many courses and opportunities to extend their knowledge and performance in Physical Education:

a. the Advanced level Physical Education course comprises four units:

i) Participation in Sport & Recreation.

ii) The Critical Sports Performer.

iii) Preparation for Optimum Sports Performance

iv) The developing Sports Performer

b. The BTEC Sports and Exercise Science course will include some of the following units:

i) Scientific principles for sport and exercise.

ii) Sport and exercise sciences project.

iii) Sport and exercise psychology.

iv) Exercise physiology.

v) Anatomy for sport and exercise.

vi) Quantitative sport and exercise research.

vii) Social aspects of sport.

viii) Fitness testing.

ix) Exercise health and lifestyle.

x) Physiological factors in sport and exercise.

xi) Practical sport performance.

xii) Sport industry experience

c. the Community Sports Leaders Award.

d. outdoor education activities.

e. school teams.

The programme is comprehensive and taught in an excellent sports hall, gymnasium, playing fields and a sports laboratory for GCSE, BTEC and Advanced level work.