Physical Education

Aims and Philosophy

  • Physical Education aims to enable learners to build a platform from which they can build physical competences, improve aspects of fitness, and develop personal and interpersonal skills and attributes. It aims to provide learners with opportunities to develop the concepts and skills necessary for participation in a wide range of physical activity, sport and dance. It also aims to enhance their physical wellbeing in preparation for leading a fulfilling, active and healthy lifestyle.
  • Learners will encounter a variety of practical learning experiences, including working on their own, with a partner and in small and large groups/teams. Learners will understand the importance of cooperation and competition and develop the ability to evaluate their own and others’ performance and suggest areas for development.
  • One of the key entitlements of Curriculum for Excellence is that all children from pre-school to the end of S3 will receive a rounded education known as a broad general education (BGE), before moving on to a senior phase in S4 to S6 which will include studying for qualifications.

S1 – S2

This course will cover the Level 3 Curriculum for Excellence Experiences and Outcomes and will build on work covered in the Primary School and S1 respectively.

Pupils in S1 to S2 will participate in a variety of activities that will develop a broad range of skills and enhance their overall learning. The specific aims of the course are to enable pupils to improve their physical performance by practising and refining skills and techniques.

Through participation pupils will also develop creative responses (Expressing), critical appreciation (Evaluating) and interpersonal skills. In addition, they will also experience and gain knowledge and understanding about the role of exercise in maintaining good health; and develop a positive attitude to an active lifestyle.

The course is designed to make best use of the existing P.E. facilities while affording the pupils anopportunity to gain experience in a variety of activities. The activities are as follows:

S1 – Badminton, Basketball, Fitness, Gymnastics, Social Dance, Swimming and Team Games

S2 – Badminton, Fitness, Hockey, Summer Games, Team Games and Swimming

Further participation in most of these activities and different activities is provided through a wide variety of extra – curricular clubs and teams and also through the school inter-house sports competitions and IDL opportunities.

S2 ENRICHMENT COURSE

Opportunities for personalisation and choice are made available through the Enrichment courses which pupils study for 1 period per week. Pupils have the opportunity to choose a course that they would like to follow to further develop skills. The PE Department offers the following 2 courses as part of the Enrichment course choice options.

Level 1 Sports Leaders – This is a practical qualification which develops leadership skills that can be applied to a variety of sporting situations. Pupils will gain an understanding about what it means to be an effective leader and develop skills and qualities required to lead others successfully.

Creative and Aesthetic Physical Education – This course allows pupils the opportunity to experience and develop their expressive side through creative activities such as Zumba, Dance and Cheerleading. They will also develop their fitness and gain an understanding about alternative fitness activities in a fun and energetic environment.

S3

S3 is the culmination of the Broad General Education during which pupils continue to develop their skills and lay down firm foundations for leading towards National Qualifications in S4. This is mainly a practical based course where pupils will experience a wide range of activities offering personalisation and choice where appropriate. The activities are as follows:

BADMINTON   BASKETBALL   FITNESS   GYMNASTICS   SWIMMING   VOLLEYBALL

The course will provide pupils with a platform from which they can build physical competences, improve aspects of fitness, and develop personal and interpersonal skills and attributes.

S4

In S4 pupils will build on what they have learned in S3, leading to presentation for National 3, 4 or 5 Qualifications at the end of S4. Further information about the National Qualifications in P.E. can be found by using this link: Nationals in a Nutshell

S3 – 4 – Core Physical Education – Curriculum for Excellence (Level 4)

This course will cover the Level 4 Curriculum for Excellence Experiences and Outcomes and will build on work covered in S1 and S2 whilst broadening their experiences with some new activities.

The Core PE course is designed to make best use of the existing P.E. facilities while affording the pupils an opportunity to gain experience in a variety of activities. Pupils will have a choice in the activity pathway that they choose to follow with a sample of activities as follows:

S3/4 Core Activities – Badminton, Basketball, Fitness, Gymnastics, Dance (Zumba / Hip Hop), Football, Handball, Hockey, Short Tennis, Summer Games, Swimming, Touch Rugby, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Water Polo

Further participation in most of these activities and different activities is provided through wide variety of extra – curricular clubs and teams and also through the school inter-house sports competitions and IDL opportunities.

Curriculum Leader: Mrs E Inkster