Physical Education

Head of Department: Larry Tulett

A variety of team and individual activities are undertaken as well as a weekly swimming lesson.

Games are undertaken with the aim to improve the consistency of dribbling, passing and interception. Patterns of play in both attack and defence are considered and advice is given on when and where to pass. Health and Fitness is introduced, with work towards improvement in levels of cardiovascular endurance and the basic principles of muscular strength.

In hockey pupils practice their movement with the stick while in constant contact with the ball. In football, basic skills such as keeping the ball close to you, passing, heading and shooting are covered. In the swimming pool the less able pupils acquire correct techniques of stroke production, while the top group learn the basic skills for Rookie Lifesaving.

Year 9 pupils develop, select, apply and vary simple, individual and team tactics and strategies appropriate to various sports. Greater emphasis is given for pupils to take responsibility for personal hygiene in relation to vigorous activity and take greater responsibility for setting personal targets.

Pupils are taught a range of set plays from starts and restarts. They are encouraged to adapt and vary the set plays and put the game plans into effect. Knowledge on how to defend at starts, restarts and the set plays is looked at. Pupils are expected to play at greater speed with more precision, selecting skills and techniques to apply the principles of attack and defence.

Year 10 pupils devise advanced tactics and set plays, enabling them to improve performance to an optimum level with increasing independence. Opportunity is given to help coach and officiate and, in doing so, acquire the necessary skills of negotiation.

Pupils extend their ability to read the game, discuss how players know when an attack has failed and how to reposition the ball for the next attack. Pupils are helped to understand the implications of utilising all the components of fitness, i.e. strength, speed, power, flexibility, balance, endurance and agility.

Throughout the term several physical components of fitness tests have been undertaken with the teaching of the correct protocols for conducting the tests and how to arrive at an evaluation of each individual’s personal fitness level.

The Year 11 programme sees a greater degree of interaction from the pupils in that they are encouraged to suggest their own set plays and tactics for invasion games. A greater understanding of the reasons for physical fitness tests is expected.

Pupils help with the structure of coaching and officiating. Taking turns to lead sessions on set plays and more advanced drills as well as using a whistle to assist in the control of small sided games.