Physical Education

Subject intent

Studying Physical Education will help students to be leaders in their chosen field because it develops transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking, all of which are crucial for leadership roles in any profession.

Subject links to HSAEL values

It takes students out of their comfort zone (and show growth) by introducing them to new and challenging activities that push their physical and mental limits. This allows them to develop resilience, perseverance, and a growth mindset.

It helps students tackle social injustice (and demonstrate responsibility) by encouraging teamwork and cooperation, fostering a sense of fairness and sportsmanship. PE can be used to create inclusive environments where students from diverse backgrounds can come together and challenge stereotypes.

It helps promote ambition by setting achievable goals, celebrating success, and fostering a sense of accomplishment. PE provides a platform for students to see the rewards of hard work and dedication, motivating them to strive for their full potential.

It celebrates diversity (compassion) by emphasising participation and enjoyment over competition. PE can showcase the strengths and abilities of all students, regardless of background or athletic ability. It fosters a sense of community and acceptance.

It helps students develop independence (excellence) by teaching them proper technique, safety protocols, and the ability to self-evaluate. PE allows students to take ownership of their learning and develop the confidence to participate independently in physical activities.

This subject is particularly important at HSAEL because Physical Education provides a common ground that transcends language barriers. It can be a powerful tool for promoting social inclusion and integration for students with high levels of EAL. In a high deprivation area, PE can offer a safe space for students to be physically active, build self-esteem, and develop essential life skills. It can help to counteract the negative effects of poverty and lack of cultural capital by providing access to resources and opportunities that might not be available outside of school.

By focusing on these aspects, Physical Education at HSAEL can play a crucial role in tackling disadvantage and empowering students to reach their full potential.

How does the study of Physical Education link to future careers?

GCSE Physical Education (PE) lays the groundwork for diverse career paths beyond sports. It equips students with foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and fitness principles applicable to professions like sports coaching, personal training, and physical therapy. Moreover, GCSE PE fosters essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, valuable in any career. For those interested in education, it provides insights into teaching methodologies and classroom management, facilitating paths to physical education teaching. Additionally, GCSE PE offers a basis for healthcare careers like physiotherapy and exercise physiology, thanks to its focus on human anatomy and health-related fitness. Understanding sports and fitness through GCSE PE is also advantageous for roles in event management, sports marketing, and entrepreneurship, where knowledge of industry trends and consumer behaviour is crucial. Furthermore, the critical thinking and analytical skills developed in GCSE PE are applicable to research-oriented careers in sports science and product development. Even in non-sports-related fields, such as media and journalism, the communication skills developed in GCSE PE are valuable for careers in sports broadcasting and sports journalism.

How does Physical education link to the extra-curricular provision at HSAEL?

PE Trips include visits to professional sports fixtures, opportunities for pupils to develop their leadership supporting external primary school events, participation in the London Mini-Marathon, Horse Riding with The British Racing School, and fixtures across varying sports both on and off the curriculum.

PE offers lunchtime clubs of table tennis and football promoting pupils to be physically active for 60-minutes per day.

CED days provide pupils with opportunities to explore food nutrition, food preparation and orienteering.