The Physical Education programme at Marden High School ultimately aims to promote healthy active lifestyles through a range of different learning opportunities.
The programme allows the application of preferred learning styles allowing students the opportunity to plan, perform and evaluate their actions, in order to improve the quality and effectiveness of what they do. Through this process students discover their aptitudes, abilities and preferences and are encouraged to make personal choices about how to get involved in lifelong physical activity. The programme aims to provide enjoyable opportunities for pupils to develop physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually. Structured units of work provide a framework for learning, allowing development, progression and a sense of achievement. Personal individual qualities are enhanced within practical situations which promote independent thought, self discipline, peer co-operation, patience, tolerance and teamwork.
At KS3 students experience two hours of physical education per week. The programme offered relates to the key strands of the national curriculum. The on-site facilities determine what can be delivered. An important element of the programme is exercise and fitness and this is addressed throughout the key stage with individual data being recorded in personal booklets. Throughout the programme a strong emphasis is placed upon the analysis of performance through peer assessment. A variety of analysis checklists are used as learning tools and in particular activities, the use of digital camcorders assists the learning process by offering immediate feedback to students during their lessons.
The key concepts and key processes addressed within the PEd curriculum focus upon the areas outlined below. A selection form the framework of the current programme.
- Outwitting opponents
- Accurate replication of actions, phases and sequences
- Exploring and communicating ideas, concepts and emotions
- Performing at maximum levels in relation to speed, height, distance, strength or accuracy
- Identifying and solving problems to overcome challenges
- Exercising safely and effectively to improve health and well being
Assessment is a continuous process and students are graded against a criteria for each of the following:
- Physical Performance
- Evaluating
- Key Roles
- Creativity
- Health and Active Participation
At KS4 students will experience two hours of core Physical Education from September 2012. Yr11 students will get one hour of Physical Education.
The additional time allowance will enable the emphasis to be placed upon personal fitness levels and key roles within activities. The aim will be to provide opportunities for more personal choices to be made with regards to active lifestyles.
GCSE Physical Education is also offered at KS4 which aims to promote the development of knowledge, understanding and skills within this subject area. Currently we follow the AQA course of study. The theoretical aspect of this course is a significant part and students are expected to keep a file of work as they study the wide range of topics in the syllabus. Homework is set regularly with the emphasis being placed upon independent study through a series of research based tasks. Active engagement in class based tasks encourages many opportunities for self and peer assessment to occur, allowing students to take responsibility for their own learning. Final assessment data is based upon formal unit tests and practice exam papers, paving the way for one final exam at the end of Yr11. When available, students are able to use a computer room to utilise various revision programmes specifically for the subject. Research tasks also encourage students to use ICT to collate information and present it.
Within the practical component, students are assessed on their personal performances as well as their application of skills in four main activity areas. A key element of the course is the analysis of performance and a structured review has to be completed for the exam board as part of the assessment process. Digital camcorders are again used as a means of offering feedback during practical sessions. Within these activities there exists additional opportunities for students to adopt different roles of responsibility such as being an official, a coach, a leader and an organiser.
The extra curricular programme linked to this subject offers a broad range of activities for students to take part in, allowing opportunities for enjoyable recreational interaction as well as personal performance levels to be challenged and enhanced through competition. Many of our students gain representative honours at all levels, showing a real sense of commitment and dedication in their chosen activities. As a support network for our talented performers, the Junior Athlete Education programme will be delivered within the timetable in partnership with Tyne Met/QA college from September 2012.
Through the extra curricular programme excellent links have been forged with clubs, outside agencies and the college, enabling students to follow personal pathways in terms of development and progress. As well as this our primary school link work is proving to be highly effective and productive. Our senior students have the opportunity to follow the Junior Sports Leadership Award and these students assist in the organisation and running of a series of primary school festivals throughout the year. As young ambassadors forMardenHigh School, the students work alongside our School Sports Co-ordinator to promote transitional opportunities at primary level, which are always very well received by primary students, parents and staff.