Physical Education
What is Physical Education?
Physical Education is the study of movement. This involves both ‘learning to move’ (i.e. becoming more physically competent) and ‘moving to learn’ (e.g. learning through movement, a range of skills and understandings beyond physical activity, such as co-operating with others).
Why do we teach Physical Education at HASU?
Physical Education fosters student’s ability to move efficiently, effectively and safely, and to gain an understanding of what they’re doing. At Harris Academy Sutton we strive to develop students Physical Literacy; the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding that provides children with the movement foundation for lifelong participation in physical activity. Physical Literacy is as important to children’s overall development as literacy and numeracy.
How do we teach Physical Education at HASU at Key Stage 3?
It is the aim of the PE Department to provide students with Meaningful Experiences (namely, fun, challenge, positive social interaction, personal relevant meaning and improved motor competence) as evidence suggests these can lead to lifelong participation in physical activity.
In Year 7 students will focus primarily on the development of transferable skills, commonly used across a variety of sports and physical activities. In Year 8, we challenge our students to become versatile performers; students will develop activity specific skills and knowledge, through practice in isolation, and appropriate conditioned competition, preparing them for the rigour of GCSE PE ahead of their Year 9 options. In Year 9 students become strategic and critical thinkers. Students are required to put the skills attained in years 7 and 8 into action through the implementation of tactics, strategies and compositional ideas.
At Harris Academy Sutton PE lessons take place on our MUGA (multi-use-games-area), School Hall, and state of the art Sports Hall.
Learning in PE is divided into four core categories, bringing both breadth and balance to our curriculum:
Aesthetic - Physical activities that are creative and involve a combination of movements that require precision, fluency such as gymnastics, trampolining and dance.
Team and individual sports - Physical activities that require physical skill, agility and stamina, such as net and wall, invasion and striking and fielding games.
Anaerobic and aerobic fitness activities - Physical activities that are sustained and require low to high intensity, such as fitness and athletics.
I.I.D (Integrity, Innovation and Discovery) – Physical activities aligned with our core values such as outdoor adventurous activities, Paralympic and disability sport, and alternative/less traditional sports.
How do we teach Physical Education at HASU at Key Stage 4?
Core Physical Education
At Key Stage 4, Physical Education remains a core, non-examined subject for all students and continues to play a vital role in supporting their physical, social and emotional well-being. Core PE aims to promote lifelong engagement in physical activity by offering inclusive, enjoyable, and meaningful learning experiences.
The curriculum is delivered through three strands:
- Traditional sports, where leadership, teamwork, and interdependence play a key role in our Sport Education Competitions.
- Health and Fitness, where students are educated in ways to lead health active lives beyond school.
- Alternative activities, where students further develop skills, knowledge and tactical understanding through niche sports different to those delivered at KS3
By encouraging all students to experience a broad range of opportunities that suit different motivations and skill levels we hope to build confidence and motivation so students remain active beyond school life.
GCSE Physical Education (OCR)
GCSE Physical Education offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the key factors that influence performance and participation in sport. The course combines both theoretical and practical elements, allowing students to develop as confident performers, analytical thinkers, and informed participants in the sporting world.
Students will explore a range of topics including applied anatomy and physiology, movement analysis, physical training, socio-cultural influences, sports psychology, and health, fitness and well-being. These areas provide a broad foundation for understanding how the body and mind respond to physical activity and how sport impacts wider society.
Alongside the classroom theory, students are assessed in three practical activities across different sports as a performer, and through a written analysis and evaluation of performance (AEP). This balance between academic study and practical experience encourages students to apply knowledge to real sporting contexts and to reflect on their own performance and development.
GCSE PE provides an excellent platform for progression to A Level Physical Education or further study in sport and exercise-related disciplines, while promoting a lifelong appreciation of physical activity, health, and personal well-being.
What exam board do we study at Key Stage 4?
Students who select GCSE PE follow the OCR specification J587
How do we teach Physical Education at HASU at Key Stage 5?
As students progress into Key Stage 5, A Level Physical Education offers the opportunity to explore sport and physical activity in greater depth through both theoretical and practical lenses. This course is ideal for students who have a genuine interest in the science, psychology, and social aspects of performance, and who wish to further develop their understanding of the sporting world.
Students will study a range of topics including applied anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, skill acquisition, sports psychology, and the socio-cultural influences on participation and performance. These areas combine to provide a holistic understanding of how the body and mind work together in sporting contexts.
Alongside the theoretical elements, students are assessed in one practical activity as either a performer or coach, and through an evaluation and analysis of performance (EAPI). This balance between academic study and practical application ensures that learners not only gain a deep conceptual understanding but also develop critical and analytical skills relevant to sport and beyond.
A Level PE provides a strong foundation for further study in fields such as sport and exercise science, physiotherapy, teaching, coaching, psychology, and sports management, while also promoting lifelong engagement in physical activity and performance.
What exam board do we study at Key Stage 5?
Students who select A-Level PE follow the OCR (H555) specification. The specification can be found here.
Surrey County Cricket Club and Harris Federation to launch Cricket Programme for Sixth Form Pupils
Surrey is encouraging students applying for sixth form studies in September 2024 to apply for the Club’s new Sixth Form State School Cricket Programme at Harris Academies across Surrey. Harris Academy Sutton is thrilled to be part of the programme, offering 6th form students a sporting pathway to accompany their academic studies.
Chief Executive at Surrey Cricket, Steve Elworthy, said “We’re delighted to be working with some fantastic schools in the county to support young people from state schools to learn more about a career in cricket whether that’s on or off the pitch. This programme will help the students to improve their cricketing skills but also help to develop the valuable life skills that will support them in their future careers.”
The programme is available to young people, both male and female, that have a developing talent for cricket and are looking to take their skills to the next level. It will also support those that want to learn more about a career in the sport.
Surrey is currently working with Harris Federation to offer students the opportunity to complete their sixth form academic studies alongside access to high quality cricket coaching and full strength and conditioning programme.
There will also be opportunities for those on the programme to learn more about cricket as a business via the employability workshops which offers opportunity for the students to learn more about roles associated with professional sport such as Marketing, Media, Groundskeeping and Hospitality.
All students will undertake ECB coaching qualifications alongside certified courses in scoring and umpiring, to support students to gain employment within the world of cricket. SCCC cricket applications are open now, along with the application to attend a cricket trial in October Half term, Further dates are likely to be added in due course. Harris Federation academic applications will be open from October. Harris Academy Sutton will host it’s Sixth Form Open Evening on the 26th November.
Please complete both forms in full:
SCCC Application Form: https://forms.office.com/e/LEkQw7PsfH
SCCC Trials: https://forms.office.com/e/qihApZxZQD