Physical Education
Games and Physical Education are an integral part of the curriculum throughout the school.
Facilities include a state-of-the-art sports centre, a purpose-built weight training area, tennis courts and a gymnasium. We have playing fields beside the main school building and extensive sports grounds at Hall Road. We also own a share in the international standard Astroturf hockey pitch at the Northern Club.
Our varied programme includes rugby, cricket, football, hockey, swimming, cross-country, athletics and tennis. As boys move up the school, there are opportunities to take part in sailing, shooting and golf.
We have a wide range of fixtures against other leading schools in the north, which enables a large number of boys to represent the school on the sports field.
While we like to win – and our teams have excellent records of achievement both regionally and nationally – we emphasise the importance of teamwork and enjoyment and we encourage as many boys as possible to take part.
Lower School
Throughout Lower School, in addition to the core sports mentioned above, boys are also introduced to a wide range of team and individual sports which include basketball, badminton, gymnastics, volleyball, handball, table tennis, trampolining, and weight training.
Pupils are encouraged to attend lunchtime clubs to further their interest in these sports.
GCSE
The GCSE course is designed for those who enjoy PE and who would like to be rewarded for playing and analysing sports. Students learn about the principles and practices which lead to good performance as well as developing their own skills in four chosen practical activities.
Pupils follow OCR’s course in Physical Education, normally taught in two practical and two theory lessons per week. A large number of practical activities can be chosen and pupils gain a basic grounding in some of the theoretical aspects students would come across at A-Level.
Assessment is by two written exams, each worth 30% of the total mark, while the remaining 40% involves assessment of performance in three sports and synoptic assessment.
Boys develop advanced skills and techniques, learn how to evaluate and improve performance, understand the physiological and psychological aspects of performance, the impact of physical activity on health and wellbeing, as well as the key socio-cultural influences that can affect involvement.
A Level
The A-Level PE course is well-suited to students with a genuine interest in sport who wish to study the theory behind the practical side of PE. It is particularly useful for those who are thinking of a career in Physiotherapy, Sports Science or Sports Management.
Pupils study anatomical, physiological and psychological theories and apply them to sporting activity, looking at what contributes to an active and healthy lifestyle and developing an insight into movement, behaviour and performance in relation to sport. 30% of the course is based on a pupil’s own practical ability, so it is important they are actively engaged in a sport of their choice.
Assessment is by three exams covering physiological and psychological factors affecting performance, socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport and practical performance.
Students visit The Athlete Factory to experience how elite sports performers plan their training and take part in a university trip to see sports science in action.
