Head of Department: F Conway 

The intent of our Physical Education curriculum is to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of physical activity, health and wellbeing, while developing key skills that enable students to think critically, creatively, and independently. Through engaging in a range of sports and activities, we aim to equip students with increasing body confidence, their personal health and well-being. 

We believe in creating an inclusive environment where all students can access and achieve success in their learning, while building the confidence, resilience, and teamwork needed to face challenges and thrive in future academic pursuits and life.  

By the end of KS3, students will have developed a solid foundation in Physical Education, acquiring a broad understanding of key concepts, terminology, and skills. They will have built confidence in fundamental physical skills (e.g., coordination, agility, strength, endurance), and demonstrated the ability to think critically about their performance, work collaboratively with peers, and apply their knowledge in different contexts. Students will also have had the opportunity to explore various physical activities, fostering an interest and passion for an active lifestyle. 

Key areas of focus: 

• Developing core physical skills (e.g., throwing, catching, dribbling, balance) 
• Gaining practical experience through hands-on activities (e.g., team sports, individual fitness challenges) 
• Developing the ability to work independently and collaboratively (e.g., teamwork, leadership in sports, effective communication) 

By the end of KS4 students will have refined their knowledge and skills in Physical Education, enabling them to work at a more advanced level. They will have developed critical thinking, analytical, and evaluative skills, which are necessary to tackle more complex problems related to fitness, performance, and well-being.  

Key areas of focus: 

• Mastery of key physical concepts and skills (e.g., movement patterns, fitness testing, training principles) 
• Ability to critically analyse and evaluate performance (e.g., improving skills through self-reflection) 
• Independent and collaborative problem-solving (e.g., planning training sessions, strategizing for team sports) 

Content 

In Years 7 and 8, students are introduced to the foundational aspects of Physical Education.
Topics will include: 

• Football 
• Badminton 
• Gymnastics 
• Netball 
• Athletics 
• Rounders 

The curriculum is designed to build a strong base for future learning in PE, with an emphasis on active participation, self-assessment, and developing a lifelong appreciation for physical activity. 

Assessment 

Assessments in Years 7 and 8 are designed to evaluate students' understanding and progress in Physical Education. This will include: 

• Regular quizzes and tests to track knowledge of fitness, health, and physical concepts 
• Project-based assessments (e.g., designing a fitness plan, reflecting on personal fitness goals) 
• Peer and self-assessment to develop reflective skills and identify areas for improvement 
• End-of-topic tests and practical assessments to consolidate learning in different sports and fitness activities 

Homework 

Homework in Physical Education will reinforce concepts covered in class, providing students with the opportunity to consolidate their learning and develop independent study skills. Typical homework tasks will include: 

• Research tasks on fitness and nutrition 
• Writing assignments on specific physical activities or sports 
• Practice logs for fitness goals or training routines 
• Revision and preparation for upcoming assessments 

How Parents and Carers Can Support 
Parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting their child's success in Physical Education.
Ways to help include: 

• Encouraging regular physical activity outside of school (e.g., family walks, swimming, sports) 
• Ensuring that homework and revision tasks are completed on time and to a high standard 
• Providing opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular sports and physical activities 
• Helping students develop good time-management skills for balancing schoolwork and physical activity
• Engaging with school communications and attending parent-teacher meetings to track progress 

Additional Support Available/Useful Links 

• Subject-specific websites and resources: [e.g., PE resources, workout apps] 
• Online tutorials: [e.g., instructional videos on basic skills or fitness routines] 
• Support sessions: After-school sessions for additional help with fitness, skills, or strategies for team sports 
• Educational apps and platforms: [e.g., fitness trackers, skill-building games] 

Reading List 
To support and extend their learning, students are encouraged to explore the following reading materials: 

• "The Sports Book: The Games, The Rules, The Gear" – DK (an accessible overview of various sports and their rules) 
• "The PE Handbook: Activities for Active Kids" – John Wilson (a resource of fun activities and exercises) 
• "The Exercise Effect: A Holistic Guide to Exercise and Well-being" – Dr. Sarah Jones (exploring the science of fitness and health) 
• PE Central: Ideas for physical education lesson plans and activities 
• British Heart Foundation – Fitness and Health: Articles and resources about staying active for health 

By engaging with these texts and resources, students can deepen their understanding of Physical Education and develop a broader perspective on fitness, health, and active living. 

This structure will provide a comprehensive approach for teaching Physical Education, ensuring students gain the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for lifelong physical activity. 

At RGS the PE curriculum is designed to inspire and engage all students to succeed and become more independent in their learning. All students take part in core PE lessons. 

Students will: 

• develop their competence in a broad range of physical activities 
• be physically active for sustained periods of time 
• fully engage in competitive sports and activities 
• be taught and encouraged to lead a healthy, active lifestyle 

Students will be taught to: 

• develop their technique and improve their performance in a range of competitive team sports 
• perform a range of gym skills 
• take part in team building and problem-solving tasks. 
• analyse their own and others performance 

All students have 1 lesson per week and activities change every half term covering a variety of sports and activities 

The aim of the PE department is ‘to encourage a life-long love of physical activity, and to give the students experience and confidence through inclusive lessons and extracurricular opportunities, across a wide range of sporting activities. Physical Education at The Reading Girls' School allows our young people to develop physically, mentally and socially, through a wide variety of sports and activities.’  

In Year 7, 8 and 9 students build on and develop fundamental skills, then through the introduction to a wide variety of individual and team games, plus Athletics, Trampolining and Dance, basic and advanced skills and strategies and tactics are taught. They are encouraged to participate and enjoy sporting activity, where the overall aim is to gain the confidence required to participate in later life. Through practical lessons, students consider the effect of exercise on the body, and key terms are introduced. 

In Year 10 and 11 students build on skills and knowledge, with the focus being game play, increased independence and Sport Education, and opportunities are provided for students to further develop leadership skills and officiating. Both GCSE PE (AQA) and BTEC Sport are offered, with the BTEC Sport Extended Certificate available for Year 12 and 13 students.  

The PE curriculum and the extracurricular activities offered, reflect existing strengths of the student body. Performance is encouraged, with many opportunities for students to compete within lessons and against other schools, allowing students to experience success and failure in a competitive environment, both individually and as part of a team. There are existing links with local clubs to provide further opportunities for participation.