PE
Introduction
The principle aim of the Physical Education department is to support and challenge every pupil to develop their sporting potential. We value sport and PE for its ability to challenge, shape and develop the core values and behaviours that we see as valuable in developing an all-round pupil.
The key principles of our approach are:
Deliver high quality teaching and support pupils drive to learn.
Incorporate physical literacy as central to all teaching and learning in PE.
Provide a broad and varied programme of opportunities at a range of levels.
Expect and encourage a supportive and positive culture of trying hard and doing your best.
Strive for and encourage excellence in all areas of PE and Games.
PE Curriculum
Physical Education at St Albans School focuses on developing four key development strands throughout the pupil journey. The aim is to nurture the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of each pupil as defined in the following aims:
Physical – Pupils are supported to enhance and develop their movement skills and athleticism to give them the tools to be healthy, fit, and capable to perform in sport to the best of their ability.
Psychological/Mental – Pupils are challenged to develop the mental skills needed to be a successful learner and performer in the classroom and in the sporting arena.
Social – Pupils are supported to develop positive relationships, to be empathetic, to be positive role models and to relate to one another through sport and physical activity.
Cognitive/Problem solving - Pupils are encouraged to think and solve problems. Raising awareness levels, confidence, and competence.
The Physical Education programme is facilitated by a single timetabled PE lesson (50 minutes) once a week in the Sports Centre for each form from First Form to Fifth Form. The programme of study looks to develop greater levels of autonomy and choice as the pupils’ progress and aims to make all pupils feel more competent and increase their relatedness to physical activity as an integral part of their daily lives through School and beyond at St Albans School, with excellent opportunities for boys and girls of all abilities.
GCSE (AQA)
The course suits candidates who have a keen interest in Sport and Physical Education. It aims to:
Develop knowledge, understanding, skills and values to develop and maintain their performance in physical activities and understand the benefits to health, fitness and well-being
Develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance
Understand how the physiological and psychological state affects performance in physical activity and sport
Develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance in physical activity and sport
Understand the contribution which physical activity and sport make to health, fitness and well-being
Understand key socio-cultural influences which can affect people’s involvement in physical activity and sport.
It is assessed in two written papers at the end of the Fifth Form Year (which make up 60% of the marks) and by a non-examined assessment of their practical skills in three sports, at least one individual, one team and one other sport, from an approved list as well as a written analysis and evaluation of their practical performance (40% of final marks).
A Level (AQA)
This course is suitable for the diverse range of candidates who wish to develop their interest in Sport and Physical Education, fostering its value in lifelong learning. It aims to:
Develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the factors that influence the quality of performance.
Apply this knowledge, skills and understanding to a range of sporting activities and contexts.
Evaluate performance and plan for the improvement of it.
It is assessed in two written papers at the end of the Upper Sixth year (which make up 70% of the marks) and by a non-examined assessment of their practical skills and a written analysis and evaluation of their practical performance (30% of final marks).
