Physical Education

In Key Stage 3 (years 7, 8 and 9) there is refinement and extension of the skills that students have developed from their primary education, as well as a focus on encouraging a disposition for lifelong learning in PE – especially as students move through Key Stage 4. In Years 9, 10 and 11 students follow a more personalised pathway, though continue to take part in compulsory Physical Education which builds on the concepts and skills developed in years 7 and 8. In addition, students are offered an extensive range of extracurricular activities beyond the classroom, which include:

• Recreational use of the fitness equipment to encourage students to have a healthy and active lifestyle
• Competitive activities and practices which encourage students to improve their skill levels and compete for the school in local competitions.

Students can choose to participate in competitive events, both inside the school and in competitions that the school participates in. This complements students’ sporting commitments outside of school and often facilitates access to development programmes for each sport within the island and beyond. Students can also gain an either an IGCSE in Physical Education, which is an external exam based on the theoretical content and a practical examination in four sports or BTEC Tech Award in Sport which is both internal and externally based. These courses build upon and extend student’s physical development, skill levels, and knowledge of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during and beyond their time at HV. The qualification provides students with progression routes for the next stage of their education and/or into employment within the health, sport and exercise sector. The instructional approach focuses on embedding key knowledge, core skills, and confidence across a broad range of PE activities. The use of practice, coaching, and making learning fun, are essential components of the learning approach. This is to support our intent to make PE an inclusive subject that all students can experience some proficiency in, be challenged to become resilient and solve problems, and foster a lifelong desire to continue physical activity and wellness. We build the team cohesion of our students by providing opportunities for all and promote this through our school social media channels #HVProud. This is achieved through whole school events such as inter-house cross country events, sports day, and a variety of other inter house sports – netball / basketball / rounders / badminton. As a department our key focus is on the three benefits of being physically active: physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, which is in line with the school SEMH strategy.