Why Study PE?

In addition to the vast amount of physical benefits one can experience through regular exercise, PE can also enhance a variety of essential life skills; communication, leadership, organisation and teamwork to name but a few. PE also provides pupils with the opportunity to de-stress from the vigor of academic study.

KS3: A Foundation Course in PE

The principle aim of the department is that all pupils should gain both physical and mental benefits through regular participation in enjoyable yet challenging PE lessons.

Throughout Key Stage 3 pupils experience a variety of sports during which time they acquire the basic skills required to engage effectively in each activity. Through challenging lessons pupils are then encouraged to build upon and refine these techniques eventually leading to greater emphasis upon the application of tactics and strategies.

Sport Education is a module taken during Key Stage 3 whereby pupils can adopt a variety of roles such as analyst, coach, official, photographer and reporter. When performed diligently and with enthusiasm pupils gain a valuable insight into the importance of these roles beyond that of performer. Additionally many cross-curricular skills are developed at this time such as the writing of succinct match reports and the mathematical analysis of match data.

KS4: GCSE Physical Education (AQA)

This two year course combines both the refinement of practical skills (60%) with the academic study of a variety of sports related topics (40%) ranging from anatomy and physiology to sports technology and its influence on performance.

Within the practical module candidates are assessed in four activity areas of which a variety of roles can be adopted; coach, official, organizer and performer. Candidates are actively encouraged to explore potential strengths in these areas. This module is externally moderated at the beginning of term five.

The theoretical module is challenging due to its broad nature. Candidates must quickly appreciate the use of key terminology and depth of answer in order to achieve high-end grades. This module is assessed with a two-hour end of year 11 written exam.

GCSE PE also contains a written piece of coursework whereby candidates must identify weaknesses within their performances and consequently explore reasons for these shortcomings; ultimately formulating corrective practices to address these weaknesses.

KS5: A Level Physical Education (AQA)

The AS and A2 courses are extremely challenging providing candidates with the opportunity to study physiological, psychological and historical aspects of Physical Education and Sport. Attempts are then made to apply this knowledge within their own area of sporting expertise with a view to enhancing performance levels.

The larger weighted theoretical module (60%) requires candidates to fully immerse themselves in the world of sport exploring how the body and mind intricately work together in tandem to cope with the increasing demands placed upon them when participating in a competitive domain. The study of the historical and cultural aspect of PE and Sport provides candidates with an insight into the origins and subsequent development of these two areas.

The theoretical modules are assessed through a written exam in term five.

At AS Level the practical module (40%) consists of candidates undertaking two assessments whilst performing a number or pre determined core skills in an isolated environment.

At A2 Level candidates undertake one assessment in a fully competitive version of their chosen activity.

The practical modules are externally moderated in term five.

Enrichment activities at DGSB

School representative teams:
DGSB has a rich tradition of tasting success in local, regional and national competitions. Teams are run across all major sports as well as cross country, golf, karting and table tennis. Clubs are run during lunchtime and after school with the full support of the PE Department.

Click here for the DGSB Sports Fixtures website.

Sports Leaders:
If pupils choose GCSE PE they will have a number of opportunities to adopt the role of Sports Leader in assisting with the delivery of competitive Primary School sports competitions.

Inter House competitions:
Twice a year all pupils represent their respective House in order to earn valuable House points. Pupils can also take part in the annual Swim Gala and Sports Day held in January and July respectively.

Future Pathways

The study of Physical Education has a wealth of possible outcomes. DGSB students have gone on to study Exercise and Sport Science, Physiotherapy, Leisure Management and the teaching of Physical Education.