Physical Education

Academic PE is a multi-disciplinary subject covering a diverse range of topics including human biology, history, sociology, psychology and of course practical performance.

We offer courses at GCSE and at A level. Over the last few years we have grown the number of pupils studying Academic PE. At present we have two groups running in each year, with numbers close to a hundred.

We have a history of excellent results at GCSE, with a 100% pass rate. At A level we consistently have a very high percentage of our pupils achieving A/B grades each year.          

In 2011 the ‘Good Schools Guide’ recognised the achievement of our pupils at A level, by awarding the department two separate awards. The Boys were the best performing PE students in an English School. The Girls the best performing in an English Independent School.

The department are very proud of these awards and it is recognition of the tremendous effort put into the learning process by both staff and pupils.

In lessons, progress is judged closely and opportunities for refinement are continually offered. Staff facilitate the chance to develop and display deep understanding. The teaching and learning in the department traditionally adds significant Value Added.

Pupils develop a wide range of skills in order to support their progress. Indeed,

 ‘In an information age, you can chase content but you can never catch it - chase the learning dispositions instead’

We are very keen to work with a real understanding of how the memory works, thus pupils are encouraged to review their work on a consistent basis. We need to train pupils to pass the examinations with as much success as possible, but we are also very aware of our responsibility to educate.

We believe that with its multi-disciplinary nature our subject adds to the all-round education of our pupils.

‘Trying to learn without reviewing is like trying to fill the bath without putting the plug in’ (Mike Hughes, Closing The Learning Gap, 1999)