Curriculum

Physical Education

Curriculum Intent

The Physical Education (PE) curriculum at Cirencester Kingshill School is designed to instil a lifelong love of sport and physical activity. We aim to develop students' physical competence, promote their health and well-being, and foster a spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork. Through a comprehensive and engaging curriculum, students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to lead active, healthy lifestyles.

Our vision is to offer pupils the core learning and thinking skills required to reach their true potential within physical activity. This provides a purpose for everything we aim to achieve in both our curriculum offer and the extra-curricular PE programme that extends our school day.

How Knowledge and Skills Build Through Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 (KS3), students build on the foundational skills and knowledge acquired in Key Stage 2. Our curriculum is structured to progressively develop their physical abilities, understanding of health-related fitness, and strategic thinking in various sports. Each year, students engage in a variety of activities that enhance their physical competence, confidence and competitiveness.

Pupils are expected to learn and develop the PE Core Skills and our identified Physical Learning Thinking Skills (PhLTS) across KS3. Learning and assessment are core skill led and not led by the requirements of specific sports / activities. The development of these skills will prepare the pupils for a PE related qualification (GCSE PE / BTEC Sport) or their Core PE programme at Key Stage 4 (KS4), depending upon the needs of the individual pupil.

How It Builds on the Key Stage 2 Primary Curriculum

Transitioning from Key Stage 2, we reinforce basic movement patterns and introduce more complex skills, within a range of different sporting activities and games. Emphasis is placed on refining techniques, understanding game strategies, and promoting an appreciation for different types of physical activity.

Link to Key Stage 4 GCSE Curriculum

In KS4, students can pursue a GCSE in Physical Education. The KS3 curriculum is designed to prepare students for the rigors of the GCSE course by deepening their theoretical understanding of sports science, the social factors that impact on health and sporting engagement, as well as enhancing the student's practical skills across a range of activities.

Additionally, students can choose to take the BTEC Tech Award in Sport, which offers a more vocational approach to learning about the sports industry, including practical and theoretical aspects of sport.

Beyond Kingshill – Post 16 and Careers

Post-16, students can continue their studies in physical education through A-levels, BTEC, or other vocational qualifications. Careers in sports science, physiotherapy, coaching, teaching, and fitness training are among the many paths available to our students.

Useful Links/Resources
What topics will my child study?
  • Introduction to Physical Education
  • Fundamental Movement Skills
  • Invasion Games (e.g. Football, Netball, Rugby, Basketball)
  • Striking and Fielding Games (e.g. Cricket, Rounders, Softball)
  • Racket Sports (e.g. Badminton, Tennis)
  • Track and Field Athletics (e.g. Running, Throwing, Jumping events)
  • Gymnastics and Dance
  • Health and Fitness
  • Problem Solving Activities
What knowledge will they have and what will they be able to do by the end of the year?

By the end of Year 7, students will be able to explain the importance of physical activity, describe basic movement patterns, and evaluate their own performance in various sports. They will be able to demonstrate fundamental skills in gymnastics and invasion games.

The Year 7 students will have a focus on the skills of ‘Create and Assess’ using the PhLTS of a ‘Reflective Learner and Creative Thinker’

What homework will they get?

If appropriate, homework may include researching different sports, completing fitness logs, and reflective writing on their performance and progress.

How will they be assessed?

Assessments will include practical performance, fitness tests, and a series of knowledge checks. Students will receive verbal feedback to help them improve their skills and understanding.

As a parent, how can I help my child in this subject?

Encourage your child to stay active outside of school hours. Engage in physical activities together, discuss what they have learned in PE, and support their participation in school clubs and teams.

What other opportunities do they have outside of the classroom?

Students can join a variety of extra-curricular clubs, including football, netball, athletics, and dance. There are also opportunities to participate in inter-school competitions (House Sports Competitions) and trips to sporting events and fixtures. There will also be opportunities to compete in local, regional and national sports festivals and tournaments.

What topics will my child study?
  • Secured Movement Skills
  • Invasion Games (e.g. Football, Netball, Rugby, Basketball)
  • Striking and Fielding Games (e.g. Cricket, Rounders, Softball)
  • Racket Sports (e.g. Badminton, Tennis)
  • Track and Field Athletics (e.g. Running, Throwing, Jumping events)
  • Gymnastics and Dance
  • Health and Fitness
  • Problem Solving Activities
  • Leadership Opportunities
What knowledge will they have and what will they be able to do by the end of the year?

By the end of Year 8, students will be able to analyse their own and others’ performance, describe the rules and strategies of different sports, and explain the benefits of physical activity for health. They will demonstrate improved technique in a range of physical activities.

The Year 8 focus is on becoming a more effective individual sports person as a ‘Player and Group’ (Team) member.

What homework will they get?

When appropriate, homework assignments may focus on research projects, fitness challenges, and reflective tasks that could document their learning and progress.

How will they be assessed?

Students will be assessed through practical demonstrations, fitness assessments, and a series of additional knowledge checks building on Year 7. Students will receive verbal feedback to help them improve their skills and understanding. Any extra-curricular involvement will be noted and celebrated.

As a parent, how can I help my child in this subject?

Support your child by discussing their PE lessons, encouraging regular physical activity, and attending school sports events. Provide resources for learning about different sports and fitness.

What other opportunities do they have outside of the classroom?

Students have access to various sports clubs, fitness sessions, and opportunities to participate in inter-school competitions (House Sports). As well as trips to sporting events and fixtures that allow confidents pupils to compete in local, regional and national sports leagues and tournaments.

 

What topics will my child study?
  • Confident to Advanced Movement Skills
  • Invasion Games (e.g. Football, Netball, Rugby, Basketball)
  • Striking and Fielding Games (e.g. Cricket, Rounders, Softball)
  • Racket Sports (e.g. Badminton, Tennis)
  • Track and Field Athletics (e.g. Running, Throwing, Jumping events)
  • Gymnastics and Dance
  • Problem Solving Activities (e.g. Outdoor and Adventurous Activities)
  • Health and Well-being
  • Specific Sports Leadership Opportunities
What knowledge will they have and what will they be able to do by the end of the year?

By the end of Year 9, students will be able to evaluate team and individual performance, explain advanced tactics and strategies, and describe the principles of effective leadership in sports. They will demonstrate proficiency in a range of physical activities and an understanding of healthy living.

In Year 9 pupils are expected to ‘Plan then Answer’ challenges as ‘Independent Enquirers and Self Managers’.

What homework will they get?

When appropriate, homework will include fitness planning, leadership projects, and evaluations of sports performances.

How will they be assessed?

Assessments will encompass practical skill demonstrations, leadership evaluations, and practical assignments based on health and fitness topics. As well as a series of additional knowledge checks building on Year 7 and Year 8. Students will receive specific verbal feedback to help them improve their skills and understanding of more advanced sporting concepts. Any extracurricular involvement will be known and celebrated.

As a parent, how can I help my child in this subject?

Encourage involvement in sports both inside and outside of school, discuss leadership and teamwork, and promote healthy lifestyle choices. Support the choice of pursuing a specific sporting qualification (GCSE PE / BTEC Sport / National Governing Body Leadership Awards) that can be studied at KS4.

What other opportunities do they have outside of the classroom?

Opportunities include leadership roles in school sports events, participation in a wider range of extra-curricular activities, and trips focusing on physical education. There will be more access to opportunities in inter-school competitions (House Sports), as well as trips to sporting events and fixtures that allow able and confident pupils to compete in local, regional and national sports leagues and tournaments.

 

What topics will my child study?
  • Advanced Sports (e.g. Trampolining)
  • Invasion Games (e.g. Football, Netball, Rugby, Basketball)
  • Striking and Fielding Games (e.g. Cricket, Rounders, Softball)
  • Racket Sports (e.g. Badminton, Tennis)
  • Track and Field Athletics (e.g. Running, Throwing, Jumping events)
  • Personal Fitness Programs
  • Analysis of Performance
  • Health and Well-being
  • Sports Leadership Opportunities
  • GCSE PE (optional)
  • BTEC Tech Award in Sport (optional)
What knowledge will they have and what will they be able to do by the end of the year?

In addition to KS3 knowledge, if pupils access the GCSE PE course students will be able to explain and analyse the principles of anatomy and physiology related to physical activity, describe psychological factors affecting performance, and evaluate personal fitness programs. They will demonstrate high-level skills in team sports and a thorough understanding of health and well-being concepts. For those taking the BTEC Tech Award in Sport, they will also gain insight into the sports industry and practical skills required for careers in sport.

What homework will they get?

If pupils have chosen to study an examination PE course (GCSE PE / BTEC Sport), homework will include theoretical study assignments, fitness program logs, and performance analysis reports. BTEC students will also have project-based assignments related to the sports industry.

How will they be assessed?

Assessments will be both practical and theoretical, including written exams, practical demonstrations, and fitness assessments. GCSE PE and BTEC Sport students will also be assessed through coursework and practical tasks.

As a parent, how can I help my child in this subject?

Assist with study schedules, provide resources for theoretical understanding, and encourage active participation in physical activities and school sports teams. For BTEC students, support project work and research activities.

What other opportunities do they have outside of the classroom?

Students can engage in sports leadership roles, additional training sessions, and school representation in local sports competitions. There continues to be more access to opportunities in inter-school competitions (House Sports), as well as trips to sporting events and fixtures that allow able and confident pupils to compete in local, regional and national sports leagues and tournaments.

What topics will my child study?
  • Practical Performance in Chosen Activities (e.g. Cirencester Football Arena and Local Leisure Centre)
  • Analysis and Evaluation of Performance
  • Health and Well-being
  • GCSE PE Exam Preparation
  • BTEC Tech Award in Sport (continued, if chosen)
What knowledge will they have and what will they be able to do by the end of the year?

By the end of Year 11, students will be able to critically analyse and evaluate their own and others’ performances, explain complex physiological and psychological concepts related to sports, and demonstrate advanced practical skills in their chosen sports. If applicable, they will be prepared for their GCSE exams and have a solid foundation for post-16 physical education pathways. BTEC students will complete their coursework and practical assessments, ready to progress to further education or vocational opportunities in the sports sector.

What homework will they get?

If appropriate (GCSE PE / BTEC Sport), homework will focus on exam preparation, including practice questions, revision exercises, and performance analysis projects. BTEC students will continue with coursework and practical assignments.

How will they be assessed?

Assessments will include GCSE practical performance, written exams, and coursework related to performance analysis and health topics. BTEC students will be assessed through practical tasks and project-based coursework.

As a parent, how can I help my child in this subject?

If applicable, support revision schedules, provide resources for exam preparation, and encourage continuous involvement in physical activities and sports. For BTEC students, assist with project timelines and ensure they meet coursework deadlines.

What other opportunities do they have outside of the classroom?

Opportunities include higher-level sports training, leadership roles, participation in competitive sports events, and visits to sports facilities or institutions.

Sporting fixtures and events will continue to allow able and confident pupils to compete in local and regional sports leagues and tournaments.

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