THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM AT UCC

As a PE Department our mission aim is to ‘Create positive and meaningful experiences through PE and School Sport’.

At Uppingham Community College the Physical Education curriculum across Key Stages 3 and 4 provides students with the opportunity to develop knowledge and an understanding of skills and tactics in a wide range of sports and health-related activities.  In addition to this, we recognise the importance of PE and the role it has in developing not only physical competence, but also promoting long term physical, mental and social health benefits, alongside emphasising important skills needed to make a positive contribution to society.

As a PE department at UCC, our role is to prepare students for an active life through the delivery of PE.  To achieve this, we have placed our students at the centre of our curriculum.  We understand that motivation is at the core of being physically active and so, to affect motivation, students must find connections and relevance to the activities they are undertaking in PE.  Our move away from a traditional sport specific curriculum model onto a conceptual learning curriculum that is tailored to meet the needs of our own students enables us to achieve that.  Our focus in PE is to deliver an engaging curriculum that makes our lessons purposeful and success achievable for all.  Our hope is that when our students leave us, they can articulate a positive connection with sport and physical activity and the personal relevance this has for them. 

 

Below is an example of this in practice:

Key Stage 3 and 4 PE

Knowledge: When studying handball, students will acquire key information and tactics which will develop their knowledge of this sport in both practise and game scenarios. (Know)

Understanding: Students will understand and demonstrate how to execute key skills and tactics in a range of challenging situations. For example, executing a jump shot in a conditioned scenario or as part of a pre-planned tactic or strategy. (Show)

Skill: Students will reflect on how they have utilised key concepts within the lesson such as resilience.  For example, if they have taken a number of shots and missed, yet attempted to score again in a game situation.  Students will also explore how this is transferable in a different context away from PE. (Grow)

Key Stage 4 Academic PE

In Key stage 4 we offer two exam courses, GCSE PE and Cambridge National Sports Studies, of which one can be chosen as an option at GCSE. Both courses are the equivalent to one GCSE and offer a variety of theory, coursework and practical assessments.  Students will develop a range of knowledge, understanding and skills within these subjects across the two years.

Below is an example of this in practice:

Knowledge: When studying the Applied Anatomy and Physiology unit in GCSE PE, the curriculum will cover key vocabulary associated with the systems of the human body and link the facts associated with each system to sport and exercise.

Understanding: Students will be encouraged to use relevant practical examples when applying the functions of the systems to the human body and exercise.

Skill: Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding through the interpretation of data when formulating an examination response highlighting their knowledge and understanding, application of knowledge and analysis and evaluation skills.