Physical Education

Sports Science

Also referred to as Physical Education (PE)

In Sports and PE, we give our pupils the opportunity to develop as practical performers as well as to learn theoretical principles. Our sports programme is built on the latest research, with pupils regularly participating in activities organised by the University of Surrey to measure performance and develop our most able athletes. We offer a wide array of Physical Education opportunities both in curriculum time and through our co-curricular sport, clubs and societies. We foster a spirit of endeavour and excellence in all our pupils. We know that regular physical activity is essential to wellbeing and academic performance, so we make sure our pupils have a wide range of activities, from the traditional football, netball, hockey and cricket to Forest School and fencing.

Core Physical Education and Games

In 1st to 3rd Form, our girls and boys have two sessions of Games each week, each of two hours. In 4th and 5th Form, in addition to one Games session each week, they also have an hour of PE. In the Sixth Form, pupils have one Games session and the opportunity to develop leadership skills by offering coaching and support for younger pupils through the activities offered by our co-curricular sport, clubs and societies.

The Physical Education (PE) programme takes a ‘sampling’ approach, which research shows develops all round sporting ability.  Sampling provides frequent access to a multitude of sports, ranging from badminton to athletics to swimming.

The Games programme follows the core sports of hockey, cricket and tennis for boys and girls with boy’s football and girl’s netball and rounders added to the mix.  Through the School’s co-curricular Sport and Clubs and Societies pupils have opportunities to extend their training outside the Games sessions and try other sports and fitness sessions.

Through Physical Education and an extensive sporting opportunity, pupils are well placed to decide if GCSE PE is a right choice for them.

GCSE PE

In 4th Form, our pupils can opt for IGCSE PE (Cambridge Syllabus). This is a very popular option, reflecting the strong engagement of our pupils with the overall sporting programme.

This is a challenging course where pupils will be assessed in the physical and academic realm.  The theoretical aspects cover four main topics:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Health, fitness, and training
• Skill acquisition and psychology
• Social, cultural and ethical influences.

A-level PE

A-level PE is offered through the AQA examination board. In recent years, 100% of pupils have achieved ‘A’ grades, therefore, it is a subject with an immense track record. The course covers complex theoretical content as well as an element of practical performance plus coursework linked to an analysis of that practical performance.