Physical Education
The Physical Education curriculum at Corpus Christi widens the pupil’s learning experience by providing exceptional opportunities for all, allowing them to flourish as successful and ambitious individuals. We achieve this through effectively sequenced and planned units of work which embed, and build upon, the skills learnt in Key Stage 1 and 2. It is designed to inspire and engage pupils in a broad range of activities, focussing on the development of motor competence; understanding of rules, strategies and tactics; and knowledge of healthy participation. As a result, pupils become confident and competent performers, while enhancing their personal development, teamwork and leadership qualities.
We believe practice time is essential for pupils to know more and remember more, while building resilience in performance. Therefore, the curriculum is designed to allow for maximum rehearsal to fully embed and retain procedural and declarative knowledge, without taking away the breadth in variety which pupils receive.
The extensive extra-curricular programme we provide widen pupils’ experiences and further develops opportunities for pupils to participate, develop and succeed in competitive sport and physical activity, while developing an appreciation for elite performance and the ability to analyse and evaluate performances of themselves and others. Consequently, pupils become motivated and resilient, while learning values such as fair play, respect and tolerance.
Through our work, pupils develop a thorough understanding of the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle, and leave school with a positive experience to fulfil a lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.
Aims
The national curriculum for Physical Education aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Use a range of tactics and strategies to overcome opponents in direct competition through team and individual games;
- Develop their technique and improve their performance in other competitive sports;
- Perform dances using advanced dance techniques within a range of dance styles and forms;
- Take part in outdoor and adventurous activities which present intellectual and physical challenges and be encouraged to work in a team, building on trust and developing skills to solve problems, either individually or as a group;
- Analyse their performances compared to previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best;
- Take part in competitive sports and activities outside school through community link or sports clubs.
We aim to:
- Develop pupils’ positive behaviours and personal qualities so they can make a positive contribution to society. these principles to improving their own and other’s work. Pupils will enrich their knowledge of a broad range of activities in depth to become competent in leading a healthy, active lifestyle.
- Engage, inspire, and challenge pupils through equipping them with the knowledge to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
- Develop pupils’ practical skills in a broad range of sports and physical activities to enhance their personal development, ensuring they can analyse and evaluate their own and others’ performances.
- Ensure pupils engage in competitive scenarios which allow them to work collaboratively with others, developing their communication skills.
The opportunities are endless for pupils in the Physical Education department. The subject encourages pupils’ self-expression and the mindset of commitment and excellence.
The curriculum is sequenced to build on prior knowledge to ensure pupils know more and remember more throughout curriculum topics. As pupils progress, they will develop an appreciation of elite performances and develop the ability to analyse and evaluate performances of themselves and others. Pupils learn how to develop their fundamental skill in a variety of sports, how to work in a team and how to push themselves to reach their full potential. Sports which pupils experience include;
- Fundamental movement skills;
- Direct competition: netball, basketball, hockey, football, rugby, table tennis, rounders, cricket, tennis, softball;
- Improving technique and performance: athletics, gymnastics, HRE (Health-Related Exercise);
- Dance;
- Outdoor and adventurous activities: orienteering.
Corpus Christi Catholic High Schools PE department is a successful department that provides outstanding extra-curricular opportunities for our pupils. Every year we compete and enter teams in many different tournaments and leagues on a local, regional and national level. We offer a wide range of sports as part of our extra-curricular provision such as Basketball, Girls and Boys Football, Rugby, Netball, Handball, Rounders, Hockey, Rounders and Cricket, as well as other individual sports such as Badminton, Table Tennis, Tennis, Dance, Cross Country and Athletics.
To date, the sports teams have had several successes to celebrate in a range of sports. For example, the Under 14 Boys Basketball team were successful in winning the Lancashire Basketball Cup in 2023. Furthermore, in 2022, the Year 7 Boys Football reached the final of the Preston Cup played at Deepdale, and Under 13 Girls got to the semi-final of the Utilita Cup. Pupils benefit from the incredible dedication of our staff in providing extra-curricular activities and pupils are encouraged daily to take part in after school sports.
Our PE department also host annual sports days, Primary School competitions where our Sports Studies and GCSE PE pupils will help run these days.
Every year more and more people take up sport and physical education is an extremely important part of society, so having access to outstanding facilities, exceptional teaching and independent learning ensures that pupil’s reach their highest potential.
Physical Education is not just a way of satisfying a pupil’s athletic flair, the skills learnt in this subject help to develop independent thought and can open the door to exciting career and recreational opportunities as they progress through their education.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Boys | Basketball Table tennis OAA | Football Dance | Athletics Cricket |
| Girls | Netball Dance OAA | Badminton Table tennis | Athletics Rounders |
Basketball
- Demonstrate the correct technique for dribbling on the dominant hand.
- Demonstrate a variety of basic passes.
- Replicate the correct shooting technique of a set shot and a lay-up.
- Understand the basic defensive stance when man to man marking.
- Demonstrate the use of spatial awareness when passing and moving.
- Understand and develop awareness of rules of the game, including half court violation, rule of the key, baseline and side line balls encroachment.
Table Tennis
- Demonstrate the correct table tennis grip and stance.
- Understand how to serve correctly on either forehand or backhand.
- Demonstrate the correct technique for a backhand push and use in an isolated practice.
- Demonstrate the correct technique of a forehand push.
- Play competitively, using the basic rules of a game and score correctly.
- Understand how to gain advantages over an opponent.
Dance
- Explain what ‘choreograph’ means.
- Choreograph short motifs of work as part of a group dance.
- Understand ‘bars’ of music and be able to count, clap and move in time with changing paces.
- Understand the components of unison, mirror and canon and apply them into their choreography.
OAA
- Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills
- Demonstrate resilience through trial and error in teamwork activities
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic map reading to navigate around orienteering routes.
Football
- Demonstrate the correct dribbling technique.
- Perform a short instep pass using the correct technique.
- Demonstrate control when the ball.
- Demonstrate how to turn with the ball in isolation.
- Demonstrate the correct shooting technique of a close range shot with a stationary ball.
- Demonstrate basic defending play in a game situation.
- Demonstrate spatial awareness in a game situation.
- Apply the basic rules of football.
Badminton
- Demonstrate the correct badminton grip and stance.
- Demonstrate the correct technique for a short serve.
- Demonstrate the correct technique for an overhead clear and apply it to an isolated practice.
- Play competitively, using the basic rules of a game and scoring correctly.
- Explain how to gain an advantage over an opponent.
Cricket
- Perform basic throwing and catching techniques, varying the speed and length of the throw, both underarm and overarm.
- Demonstrate the correct bowing technique and stance to ensure a straight bowl.
- Explain the correct batting grip and stance, and apply it when facing a bowl.
- Demonstrate how to field a rolling ball coming towards you, using a long barrier technique.
Rounders
- Demonstrate the correct technique of batting.
- Perform basic throwing and catching techniques, varying the speed and length of the pass, both underarm and overarm.
- Demonstrate how to field a rolling ball coming towards, using a long barrier technique.
- Understand the basic rules of a game of rounders.
- Demonstrate how to play in at least 2 different fielding positions.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Boys | Basketball Table tennis OAA | Football Dance | Athletics Cricket |
| Girls | Netball Dance OAA | Badminton Table tennis | Athletics Rounders |
Basketball
- Demonstrate how to dribble using both the dominant and non-dominant hand to incorporate a crossover and a pivot.
- Demonstrate passing over varying distances to develop outlet play.
- Demonstrate the triple threat positions.
- Demonstrate the use of a lay-up on the dominant side, both in isolation and under pressure.
- Demonstrate and use the defensive stance.
- Understand positions linked to zonal defending using a shell formation.
- Understand the use of static and moving screens.
Table Tennis
- Demonstrate how to serve on both forehand and backhand.
- Demonstrate how to add side spin to a serve to gain an advantage over an opponent.
- Demonstrate the correct technique for a forehand push.
- Explain and demonstrate how to play a backhand drive in an isolated practice.
- Select the correct shot to play during a game situation.
- Understand all the rules of, and successfully score, a competitive singles game.
Netball
- Recap the skills of passing, receiving and footwork.
- Demonstrate advanced footwork techniques in an isolated practice.
- Explain how to defend successfully to intercept the ball.
- Demonstrate the importance of timing in attacking play, focusing on when to dodge to gain the most success.
- Demonstrate an understanding of attacking within different game situations and positions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of defending within different game situations and positions.
Football
- Demonstrate how to perform different types of passes.
- Demonstrate effective control when under pressure in an isolated practice.
- Dribbling using both feet, and show the use of a shield.
- Demonstrate the correct technique for shooting from mid distance from a stationary ball.
- Demonstrate the different techniques of heading.
- Explain the use of different formations using informed decision making.
Badminton
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the rules of a singles game.
- Demonstrate the correct ready position consistently through a game.
- Show a range of serves including forehand and backhand, long, and short.
- Develop the skills to play an overhead clear shot and explain when and why it would be used.
- Understand how to play a winning shot through placement and pace.
- Understand tactical positioning in singles.
- Understand the sequence of serving in singles.
Cricket
- Demonstrate the correct technique for batting and apply the forward defensive shot.
- Demonstrate the correct technique for a pull shot when batting.
- Demonstrate accurate line and length bowling.
- Explain the use of, and demonstrate, fielding using a one-handed pick up.
Rounders
- Demonstrate the basic technique for bowling in a practice situation.
- Demonstrate simple throwing and catching, varying the speed and length of the pass and making a choice between an underarm or an overarm throw.
- Demonstrate how to field a rolling ball, both coming towards and moving away from a fielder.
- Understand and be able to play in a game of rounders using correct equipment.
- Explain how to apply tactics to fielding to prevent half rounders and full rounders being scored.
- Demonstrate how to play in a variety of positions in the field.
Demonstrate the correct technique of batting.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Boys | Basketball Table tennis OAA | Football Rugby | Athletics Cricket |
| Girls | Netball Rugby OAA | Badminton Table tennis | Athletics Rounders |
Basketball
- Demonstrate how to post up and drive to the basket.
- Demonstrate a bank shot in isolation.
- Demonstrate successful passing and moving using a three-man weave.
- Demonstrate a pick and roll and develop one other tactic in attack.
- Develop understanding of rules through full court games.
Table Tennis
- Identify appropriate footwork techniques.
- Describe techniques for a variety of spin serves and be able to demonstrate at least one.
- Demonstrate forehand and backhand push with backspin.
- Demonstrate a backhand topspin.
- Demonstrate a forehand drive.
- Apply tactics to a game situation.
- Organise and complete a singles tournament with peers.
Netball
- Demonstrate advanced skills of passing, receiving and footwork in a competitive situation.
- Demonstrate effective defending using more complex skills in at least one position.
- Demonstrate attacking and defending skills across whole court drills.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of tactics and strategies to outperform the opposition in a game situation.
Football
- Demonstrate various ways to control the ball when under pressure.
- Demonstrate the use of a mid to long range pass, and lofted passes.
- Demonstrate different types of turns and develop three ways of outwitting an opponent.
- Demonstrate the correct shooting technique when striking a moving ball.
- Demonstrate a range of tactics through the use of formations and overload.
- Demonstrate a range of tactics and set pieces in attack.
Rugby
- Demonstrate effective ball handling through the correct grip and movement with the ball.
- Demonstrate basic passing and receiving and use effectively in a game scenario to move up the pitch.
- Apply the basic methods to demonstrate safe and effective tackling.
- Apply the use of tackling to create a turnover in possession through team tackling.
Badminton
- Demonstrate different types of shots used in badminton based on pace and placement.
- Develop the correct technique for the smash shot.
- Demonstrate overarm and underarm drop shots.
- Demonstrate and understand the use of backhand.
- Work with other to run a singles tournament, demonstrating a thorough knowledge of rules and scoring.
Cricket
- Demonstrate the use of accurate bowling using a variety of speeds and using off spin.
- Demonstrate the use of a cover drive shot and a cut shot onto the off-side.
- Develop an understanding of shot selection when facing a variety of bowls.
- Show an understanding of the rules and laws of cricket and apply within a game situation.
Rounders
- Demonstrate bowling with varying heights and spin to a batter.
- Demonstrate how to throw a rounders ball over a variety of distances effectively under pressure.
- Demonstrate how to field a ball efficiently, making the correct decision on where to throw the ball.
- Understand the rules of rounders and be able to position themselves appropriately according to their strengths and weaknesses, in the field and the batting line up.
- Apply tactics when in the field to prevent players scoring rounders against their team.
- Show an understanding of how to play in all positions in the field.
- Demonstrate the correct technique of batting and aim to strike the ball in an appropriate place to score.
The theoretical element, which makes up 60% of the GCSE PE course, is assessed by two examinations at the end of year 11. Each examination is worth 30% out of the overall mark.
The practical element, which makes up 40% of the GCSE PE course, is assessed through a practical performance moderation and a controlled assessment. Pupils will be assessed in three sports; one from the ‘individual’ list, one from the ‘team’ list and one from either list, all weighing 10%. The final 10% is assessed through a written analysis and evaluation of their own performance in sport.
Pupils will have two theory lessons and one practical lesson per week to cover the content of the GCSE course as set out below:
| Year 10 | Year 11 | |
| Autumn | Anatomy and physiology | Socio-cultural influences Sports psychology |
| Spring | Physical training | Health, fitness and well-being |
| Summer | AEP controlled assessment | NEA preparation Exam preparation |
Year 10
Anatomy and Physiology
- Location of major bones
- Functions of the skeleton
- Types of synovial joints
- Types of movement at synovial joints
- Other components of joints
- Location of major muscle groups
- The roles of muscles in movement
- Lever systems
- Planes of movement and axes of rotation
- Structure and functions of the cardiovascular system
- Structure and functions of the respiratory system
- Aerobic and anaerobic exercise
- Short term effects of exercise
- Long term effects of exercise
Physical Training
- Components of fitness
- Principles of training
- Optimising training
- Preventing injury
Year 11
Socio-Cultural Influences
- Physical activity and sport in the UK
- Participation in physical activity and sport
- Commercialisation of sport
- Ethics in sport
- Drugs in sport
- Violence in sport
Sports Psychology
- Characteristics of skilful movement
- Classification of skills
- Goal setting
- Mental preparation
- Types of guidance
- Types of feedback
Health, Fitness and Well-Being
- Benefits of a healthy lifestyle
- Consequences of a sedentary lifestyle
- Diet and nutrition
The course is made up of three units; sport and the media, performance and leadership in sports activities, and contemporary issues in sport.
The contemporary issues in sport unit is assessed by an examination at the end of year 11, contributing to 40% of the overall mark.
The sport and the media unit is assessed by a set assignment, contributing to 20% of the overall mark.
The performance and leadership in sports activities unit is assessed by a set assignment, contributing to 40% of the overall mark, which includes a practical performance assessment in two sports and a leadership assessment, which forms half of this set assignment.
Pupils will work in blocks of theory lessons or practical lessons depending on the unit of work they are studying.
| Year 10 | Year 11 | |
| Autumn | Sport and the media | Contemporary issues in sport |
| Spring | Performance and leadership in sports activities | Contemporary issues in sport |
| Summer | Performance and leadership in sports activities | NEA preparation Exam preparation |
Year 10
Sport and the Media
- Different media sources and how they cover sport
- The positive relationship between the media and sport
- Positive impacts of the media in sport
- Negative effects of the media on sport in relation to spectators and live sport
- Negative impacts of the media on sports and sports performers
Performance and Leadership in Sports Activities
- Performance in two selected activities
- Participating in activities
- Decision-making during performance
- Managing and maintaining performance in individual activities
- Your role and contribution to team activities
- Strengths and weaknesses of sports performance
- Methods to improve performance
- Measuring improvement in performance
- Organisation of a sports activity session (organising and planning)
- Safety considerations when planning a sports activity session
- Objectives to meet the needs of the group
- Organisation of a sports activity session (leading)
- Leading a sports activity session
- Reviewing your leadership of a sports activity session
Year 11
Contemporary Issues in Sport
- User groups in sport
- Possible barriers to participation
- Possible barrier solutions
- Factors positively and negatively affecting the popularity of sport in the UK
- Emerging/new sports in the UK
- Sports values
- The Olympic and Paralympic movement
- Sporting values initiative and campaigns
- The importance of etiquette and sporting behaviour
- The use of performance enhancing drugs in sport
- The features of a major sporting event
- Positive and negative pre-event aspects of hosting a major sporting event
- Potential positive and negative aspects of hosting a major sporting event
- National Governing Bodies
- The role of technology in sport
- Positive and negative effects of the use of technology in sport
At Corpus Christi we believe that all pupils should be equipped with and supported in developing a high level of reading and literacy capability, as is required by each subject discipline. To achieve this, Heads of Department should agree clear expectations for how subject knowledge and understanding will be demonstrated through oracy and literacy. This will allow all teachers to ensure that pupils show a deep understanding of their subjects using appropriate subject vocabulary. This is modelled by teachers and explained to pupils to continually reinforce the expected standard.
Heads of Department must ensure that appropriate reading strategies are implemented to meet the demands of their subjects. The strategies adopted must be informed by the demands of the intended scheme of work, pupils’ reading ages, and the key principles of the Corpus Christi approach to ensure pupils are supported in developing their reading, literacy, and oracy across the curriculum. Reading is differentiated across the curriculum to meet the needs of different ability groups, not only to support access to the curriculum but to also develop fluency and deepen understanding.
At Corpus Christi, we believe that high quality summative assessment must primarily enable pupils to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding acquired throughout the implementation of the planned curriculum. Subsequently, this will allow teachers to measure the progress made by pupils through the curriculum, in relation to learning outcomes set out in schemes of work. In measuring the extent to which pupils have acquired knowledge and a secure understanding, teachers will be able to identify gaps in learning, to inform future teaching and planned interventions.
At Corpus Christi, all assessments must be suitably challenging whilst meeting the needs of all pupils. Suitable points for summative assessment are chosen by each Head of Department ensuring that they are embedded into the planned curriculum. Assessments are differentiated to ensure all academic groups can demonstrate their understanding and have the opportunity to make outstanding progress through the curriculum. It is the responsibility of each teacher to ensure their classes are suitably ready for assessments and all content has been covered thoroughly, considering the needs of all pupils.
The 2024 GCSE Physical Education results show significant improvements in attainment and progress of all pupils, including that of disadvantaged pupils. (Please note that in 2022 no pupils took GCSE PE).
The 2024 Sports Studies results show continued improvements in outcomes for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged.
Assessment at Key Stage 3 shows good or better progress throughout the vast majority of pupils, including those who are disadvantaged and those with SEND.
| All | Disadvantaged | SEND | |
| Year 7 | 89% | 75% | 82% |
| Year 8 | 90% | 82% | 81% |
| Year 9 | 88% | 79% | 64% |
For further information regarding the Physical Education curriculum please contact:
Mrs Wright, email: jwri@ccc.lancs.sch.uk or telephone school reception: (01772) 716912.
