Curriculum Intent

A high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. It should provide opportunities for our pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect.  

At The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, we aim to create the very best learning journey experience for all ability levels within Physical Education. We challenge students to participate, engage, compete, and lead. We do this by building leadership qualities in the students through student-led warm-ups, student led drills and activities, which enable students to develop their oracy skills thus impacting students’ confidence. We facilitate this in a way that is inclusive and fun. 

Our curriculum at The Academy goes far beyond what is taught in lessons, for whilst we want students to achieve the very best examination results possible, we believe our curriculum goes beyond what is examinable. As a department, we offer an outstanding and varied extra-curricular programme open to all students. The activities on offer and the range of competition levels we compete in, greatly develops our students’ sporting abilities. From traditional sports such as football, netball, and basketball to lifestyle activities such as fitness, boxing, and Zumba. Physical Education at The Academy most importantly embodies the school mission of the “Success for All” approach, which is crucial to allow every student to find an activity that they will take forward into adulthood and “promote an active, healthy lifestyle” (National Curriculum Physical Education). 

The Physical Education curriculum builds upon knowledge taught in Key Stage 2 by developing fundamental skills. Throughout Key Stages 3 and 4 in Physical Education we intend to provide a curriculum that is broad, balanced, challenging and fosters a love of learning. The intent of our Physical Education curriculum is to provide all students with high quality PE/Games and sport provision, not only as a participant but in leadership roles such as a coach or official. Our curriculum vision is for every child to succeed and achieve their potential as well as to lead physically active lifestyles beyond their years at secondary school. We strive to inspire our students through fun and engaging PE/Games lessons that are enjoyable and accessible to all. 

Our ethos in Physical Education strongly reflects the values outlined in The Academy, particularly those of collaboration. SMSC is a regular feature of PE lessons; students learn how to operate in teams and the etiquette associated with taking part in physical activities. Effort is highly valued alongside respect, pride, and ambition. Students are taught strategies to solve problems, in how to outwit an opponent or design/choreograph a gymnastic/dance sequence.  

Further rationale behind our curriculum design includes the delivery of the curriculum through our Head, Heart, and Hands philosophy. We assess these areas through a combination of practical participation (Hands), strategic and logistical thinking to plan the next move (Head) and respect, pride and ambition (Heart). As a department, our key focus is on the three benefits of being physically active: physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.