Physical Education (Core

What is the nature of Physical Education in Grades 9 & 10?

Physical Education in grades 9 & 10 continues to develop the key attributes of cohesion, friendship, social interaction and skill development from grades 7 & 8 with an additional emphasis on independent learning and leadership. Students work towards enhancing their communication skills through leading their peers in small group and whole group activities.

What is the approach to learning?

The whole Physical Education curriculum is designed to allow the students to learn, apply and appreciate a range of sports and games in school and as recreational pursuits for life.

Activities are varied to cater for a wide range of abilities and have an emphasis on healthy living. Students are always encouraged to better themselves and to learn to be part of a team.

What is the subject content?

Students learn to:

 Explain the relationship of PE to health, for example how to avoid injuries, or the benefits of cardio- vascular fitness  Develop social skills and a strong sense of fair play, enthusiasm and commitment, especially in teamwork and encouraging their peers  Identify and work to their optimal level of physical fitness  Appreciate the use of creative and expressive aspects of movement  Refine the motor skills necessary for a variety of activities  Understand and apply theories, techniques, rules and training principles of different games  Reflect on and evaluate their own and others performances in order to develop strategies for improvement.

What is the nature of assessment?

Students are assessed formatively each lesson and are also given a summative level at the end of each unit of work against a criteria. The criteria, look at a student’s understanding of principles and strategies as well as their competence demonstrating skills and techniques in a range of activities. Students are exposed to the criteria on a regular basis and can work together to identify areas for improvement based upon these criteria.

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There are two main strands from which the teacher may assess a student. These allow all students (including those medically exempt from lessons) the opportunity to progress and be assessed.

Strand 1 - Use of knowledge

Students are expected to have a knowledge and understanding of the physical activities or topics studied.

They are expected to be able to use this knowledge and understanding critically, and apply it to analyse situations and solve problems.

Strand 2 –Performance

Assessment will focus mainly on the performance strand.

Students are expected to perform in a range of activities, and show skills and techniques ranging from basic to complex. They should be able to apply tactics, strategies and rules in both individual and group situations.

Students are also assessed on their understanding of how to prepare for exercise and how to lead a warm up. All lessons have a focus on a number of character strengths that students could display which link to a number of key concepts covered in lessons.