Overview 

Physical Education at Key Stage 3 aims to inspire all students to develop a lifelong appreciation of physical activity, sport, health, and wellbeing. Through a broad and balanced curriculum, students experience a wide range of sports and activities that develop physical competence, confidence, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and healthy lifestyle habits. 

Students will have opportunities to participate in individual and team activities, improve their physical fitness, and gain an understanding of how physical activity benefits both physical and mental wellbeing. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that every student can experience success, regardless of their starting point or previous sporting experience. 

Curriculum Intent 

The PE department aims to: 

• Develop physically literate students who can participate confidently in a variety of activities.  

• Improve fundamental movement skills and sport-specific techniques.  

• Promote healthy, active lifestyles and positive attitudes towards physical activity.  

• Build resilience, determination, leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.  

• Encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and performance.  

• Develop knowledge and understanding of fitness, health, exercise, and wellbeing.  

• Provide opportunities for all students to achieve success and enjoy physical activity.  

Curriculum Implementation 

Teaching Approach 

Our lessons are designed to maximise participation, engagement, and progress through: 

• Clear demonstrations and modelling of skills.  

• Progressive challenges suitable for all ability levels.  

• A balance of isolated skill practice and game-based learning.  

• Opportunities for leadership, coaching, officiating, and teamwork.  

• Regular feedback to support improvement.  

• Inclusive teaching strategies to ensure all students can access learning.  

Sequencing of Learning 

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills over time. 

Students begin by developing fundamental movement skills and core sporting techniques before progressing towards more advanced tactical understanding, performance analysis, leadership, and fitness concepts. 

Knowledge and skills are revisited regularly throughout Key Stage 3 to strengthen retention and support long-term development. 

Assessment 

Assessment is ongoing throughout the year and includes: 

• Teacher observation of practical performance.  

• Skill-based assessments.  

• Tactical and decision-making assessments.  

• Peer and self-assessment activities.  

• Fitness and physical literacy assessments.  

• Reflection on personal performance and progress.  

Students receive regular feedback to help them understand their strengths and identify areas for improvement. 

Curriculum Impact 

Success within PE is measured through: 

• Improvements in practical performance and physical literacy.  

• Increased confidence and participation levels.  

• Student progress across a range of activities.  

• Development of leadership and teamwork skills.  

• Positive attitudes towards health and physical activity.  

• Student voice and feedback.  

• Participation in extracurricular clubs and competitions.  

• Successful transition into Key Stage 4 PE and Sport qualifications.  

Students leave Key Stage 3 with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead active and healthy lifestyles. 

Curriculum Structure 

Key Stage 3 

 

Enrichment 

Students have access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities throughout the year, including: 

• Lunchtime and after-school sports clubs.  

• Inter-house competitions.  

• District and county competitions.  

• Sports leadership opportunities.  

• Fixtures against local schools.  

• Sports tours and educational visits.  

• Health and wellbeing workshops.  

• Sports Day and whole-school sporting events.  

• Opportunities to represent the school in a variety of sports.  

These experiences allow students to further develop their skills, confidence, leadership, and enjoyment of physical activity beyond the classroom.