Our policy is to provide the students with a wide range of activities in which they can participate and gain enjoyment. We endeavour to develop an appreciation of the importance of general fitness and health and the benefits that can be gained from regular exercise. All students are encouraged to take part in two extra curricular physical activities a week. We offer a wide and very successful extra curricular competitive programme, including netball, hockey, tennis, rounders, athletics, cross country and gym and dance. They are then encouraged to continue with some type of physical activity outside school, either on a recreational basis or competitively. In every area of the curriculum, students are set targets in order to assist them to fulfil their potential. Through our work we hope that the concept of "fitness for life and health" will remain with our students throughout adulthood.

Within the curriculum the students have lessons in gymnastics, dance, trampolining, swimming, netball, hockey, rugby, football, tennis, athletics, rounders and they follow a health-related fitness programme. In Key Stage 4 they are given the opportunity to choose from a range of activities which often includes squash, golf, self-defence, aerobics, boxercise and cheerleading whilst continuing with the fitness programme, trampolining and a number of games including badminton, volleyball and basketball.

In both Key Stage 3 and 4, 50% of curriculum time is devoted to the teaching of a variety of games. We have nine tennis courts, seven netball courts, two hockey pitches, a football/rugby pitch, an athletics track, outdoor swimming pool, a well equipped gymnasium, a sports hall with 4 badminton courts and additional netball courts, as well as basketball and volleyball courts.

In Key Stage 3 students currently have the opportunity to opt to take a leadership qualification, so that they can put other skills they may have, such as good communication and organisation, to good use both within the school community and their local community, whilst also developing in self-confidence and independence.

We offer AS and A2 PE at STAGS and we are currently following the new OCR syllabus, which whilst continuing to develop on students' knowledge of anatomy and physiology, also encourages fitness for life and there is a strong practical emphasis. Students will develop a greater knowledge and understanding of the theoretical topics including history of sport and contemporary studies as well as developing analysis skills and independent study.

Course Content

AS and A2

Students will consider how they can become involved in sport whether as a career, or incorporating it into their own lives. They will develop knowledge and skills reflecting the dynamic changes taking place in contemporary sport and PE. This course takes a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging the development of different methods of enquiry with the focal point being the performer and the performance.
The course is based on the interaction between the theory and practical of Physical Education and provides an excellent foundation for students who wish to pursue careers in teaching and coaching, sports development, the leisure industry, recreational management, the health and fitness industry including physiotherapy and medicine and professional sport. Units covered include Anatomy and Physiology, Acquisition of Skill, contemporary issues including History and Politics of Sport, Biomechanics and Sports Psychology.

The theoretical aspects (80%) include

Coursework

AS and A2

The practical aspects (20%) include two activities of the student's choice as well as health/fitness related activities. Incorporated in the practical work is the understanding of performance through observation analysis and the application of knowledge.

Learning Methods and Assessment

AS and A2

As well as promoting their involvement in sport, students are given as much responsibility as possible for their own learning and assessment. The course is delivered through a variety of lessons including practical lessons, giving students the opportunity to apply knowledge to practical examples, as well as case studies and teacher lead lessons.

The course is internally and externally assessed through practical coursework and examination at both AS and A2 levels.

Expectations of Students

AS and A2

A high degree of competency in two practical areas is essential.

The aims of these specifications are to encourage students to:

Careers Implications

AS and A2

With A Level PE you will have access to a wide range of possible careers and higher education opportunities. It supports a wide range of university course like sports science, physiotherapy, recreation, psychology and leisure studies.