PE (GCSE Option - Sports Science)

Belong  

The PE curriculum offers an inclusive and cohesive educational experience that enriches lives through wellbeing, teamwork and physical development. It advances education so that students lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to their communities through sport, leadership and active participation.   

The intention of the PE curriculum is to ensure all students experience a wide range of physical activities that promote fitness, skill and confidence. The programme develops core physical competencies alongside social and cognitive skills such as communication, leadership and fair play. Students learn to analyse performance, understand the science behind movement and appreciate the value of sport for mental and physical health. The curriculum provides equitable access for all learners, celebrating participation and achievement at every level.   

Resilience is built through challenge and competition; Responsibility through teamwork and leadership; Empathy through cooperation and inclusion; and Respect through sportsmanship and fair play.   

Thrive   

PE teaching integrates retrieval practice to reinforce key skills, techniques and rules across sports. Schema-building allows students to apply principles of movement, tactics and health to new contexts. Spaced practice supports the retention of fundamental skills, while cognitive load theory informs progression from simple to complex tasks. Reflection and feedback are embedded in every lesson, helping students to analyse and refine their performance.   

Through coherent sequencing, adaptive teaching and formative assessment. Lessons are structured to provide a balance of skill development, tactical understanding and physical conditioning. Staff model positive participation and ensure inclusivity, while assessment focuses on both physical performance and understanding of health and fitness concepts.   

Resilience is nurtured through sustained practice; Responsibility through teamwork and leadership roles; Empathy through collaboration and inclusion; and Respect through fair competition and encouragement of others.   

Achieve   

Students leave Edgar Wood Academy with the skills, knowledge and motivation to lead active, healthy lives. They understand how physical activity supports wellbeing and can apply learned strategies to lifelong participation. Assessment evidence shows that students 'know more, remember more and can do more' in physical performance and theory.   

The PE curriculum embodies the school’s values of Resilience, Responsibility, Empathy and Respect, and reflects the Trust’s mission to advance education that empowers young people to lead fulfilling, balanced and socially responsible lives. 

GCSE Sports Science

During this course you will study the key aspects of Sport Science. It will equip you with sound, specialist knowledge and you will have the opportunity to apply what you learn through various practical and classroom-based experiences. 

Sport Science will enable you to develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills that will help you on your journey to employment within the exercise, physical activity, sport and health sector or simply support you to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

For more information on what will be studied and how it will be assessed in Sport Science in years 10 and 11, please refer to our Year 9 GCSE Options Booklet.

Learning Journeys in PE and GCSE Sports Science