Introduction

Our aim in the PE Department is to allow all students to take part in and enjoy sport. We endeavour to give all students at Coombe as much opportunity as possible to take part in a number of different activities through PE lessons and through the wide and varied extra-curricular programme that we offer.

Through PE at Coombe, we encourage all students to look at their personal fitness levels as well as their skills in specific sporting areas in order to build upon and add to their existing capabilities.  Regular participation in sport not only aids individual development but also contributes to interacting and working well with others.  It can develop self confidence in areas often not highlighted before and of course enables us all to lead healthy, active lives. 

Key Concepts and Processes

Throughout Key Stage 3 students will develop an understanding of the four key concepts in PE of competence, performance, creativity and healthy, active lifestyles which will broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding of PE.

Students will develop competence in a wide range of skills and will be able to apply these effectively in different types of physical activity.  They will perform these skills and will be able to evaluate their own and others performances.  Students will be given opportunities to use their imagination to solve problems and overcome challenges and they will begin to understand the benefits of physical activity in leading a healthy, active lifestyle.

Students will also learn to make decisions effectively and develop their physical fitness and mental determination to succeed.

Setting arrangements and amount of curriculum time.

PE classes are taught in teaching groups throughout Key Stage 3.  Each student will have two one-hour lessons per week.

It is important that each student brings water to drink during and after the lesson if necessary.  They must also ensure they bring the correct PE kit to every lesson (plus any additional items of recommended kit) as outlined in the 'Uniform & Equipment' page of this website.

Assessment

Assessment will take place throughout each activity unit.  At the beginning of the unit students will be given the assessment criteria and will be able to identify which level they are currently achieving and will know what they need to do to improve in each particular activity.  At the end of the unit all students will be assessed by their teacher and will also have an opportunity to evaluate themselves, how they have done and what they need to do to improve.  All students will have a copy of the assessment criteria for each activity in their PE exercise book and the assessment criteria are also displayed on assessment notice boards around the PE department. 

Marking criteria

Effort Grade:
Scale of A (excellent) to E (poor).
This is based on effort, kit and overall attitude and behaviour in lessons. 

Attainment Grade 
National Curriculum scale of 1 – 8 (+ exceptional performance).
This is based on their ability to:

• Outwit opponents (Football, Netball, Rounders and Tennis).
• Accurately replicate actions (Gymnastics).
• Explore and communicate ideas and emotions (Dance).
• Perform at maximum levels.
• Identify and solve problems.
• Exercise safely and effectively.

Homework

There is no formal homework in PE although at times students will be asked to prepare something for their PE lesson or research the rules for a particular activity and to present this in their PE exercise book.
Instead of formal homework, we like to see students, where possible, attending an extra-curricular activity at least once a week, either at lunchtime or after school in order to maintain or improve their skill level and overall level of fitness.

Curriculum Opportunities

Throughout the range of activities which all students will experience whilst studying Physical Education they will be given the opportunity to become independent enquirers, creative thinkers, team workers, self-managers, effective participators and reflective learners.  Students will reflect on and evaluate their own and others performances and will set goal and targets for themselves at the beginning and end of each activity unit.

Extra - Curricular Programme

We run a wide and varied extra-curricular programme, free of charge, every day of the week either at lunchtimes, after school or both.

If a student enjoys a particular sport that may have been covered in the PE lesson, or would simply like to try out a new sport, would like to meet new people or want to improve their level of fitness, we recommend that they join a PE club.  Students can join a PE Club at any time of the year.

Extra-Curricular clubs/activities include:

• Football
• Table Tennis
• Basketball
• Badminton
• Rugby
• Tennis
• Hockey
• Gymnastics
• Softball
• Cricket
• Dance
• Athletics
• Trampolining
• Fitness Club