Physical Education

Physical Education

Developing physical literacy and lifelong healthy choices

Vision and Aims

At Notton House Academy, our Physical Education Department aims to develop physical literacy in all of our pupils. We provide a challenging, disciplined and safe environment for high-quality teaching and learning, creating an enjoyable and productive atmosphere where the main focus is to inspire and engage pupils to both participate and achieve.

Our approach embodies the school's core values of Safety, Kindness, and Respect by creating supportive physical learning environments where pupils feel secure participating at their own level and develop confidence in physical activities. We understand that many of our pupils may have experienced anxiety around physical activity or competitive environments, so we focus on building self-esteem and celebrating individual progress whilst promoting tolerance and respect for others.

How We Teach Physical Education: Physical Education is taught through a variety of purposeful yet enjoyable activities that develop both physical skills and personal qualities. Knowledge and skills are built through practical engagement, encouraging pupils to transfer abilities across different activities while developing awareness of fitness, health and personal safety.

Lesson Structure: Our PE lessons follow the EPIBA model to maximise learning:

Engage - Hook pupils into physical activities with motivating warm-ups and introductions
Prior Learning/ Retrieval – Check understanding from previous PE lessons and skill development
Introduce new knowledge – Present new skills, techniques or game concepts clearly
Build knowledge – Develop understanding through guided practice and skill refinement
Apply knowledge – Use learning in game situations, competitions or performance contexts

Each lesson also includes reflection time and opportunities to evaluate performance and progress.

Challenge and Differentiation: To ensure all pupils are appropriately challenged, we recognise individual talents and limitations whilst providing equality of opportunity for all. Tasks are clearly labelled as "prior learning", "core learning" and "extend and challenge" to help pupils extend their knowledge beyond the standard curriculum expectations whilst being sensitive to different abilities and backgrounds.

Our commitment is to ensure that all pupils:

Develop physical skills, fitness and confidence to participate successfully in activities
Gain motivation, understanding and knowledge to make positive lifestyle choices and be active for life
Build interpersonal skills including organisation, cooperation, initiative and responsibility
Experience personal development through physical activity that improves alertness and social competence
Develop appreciation for skilful and creative performances whilst learning honest competition and good sportsmanship

What Qualifications and Awards are Available?

We provide a range of physical education opportunities to meet every pupil's needs and interests:

Physical Education Curriculum

Comprehensive PE programme covering a variety of sports and activities
Focus on skill development, fitness and personal progress
Emphasis on lifelong physical activity and health awareness

Personal Development Through Sport

Leadership and teamwork skill development
Self-evaluation and performance analysis
Decision-making and problem-solving through physical challenges

Health and Fitness Education

Understanding of physical fitness components (strength, stamina, endurance, mobility)
Personal hygiene and safety awareness
Knowledge of physical activity benefits current and future health

All activities are carefully matched to individual pupils' needs, abilities, and personal goals.

How are Pupils Assessed?

Our assessment approach is designed to support physical development rather than simply measure it, reflecting our trauma-informed practice and commitment to individual growth.

Ongoing Assessment for Learning:

Regular observation and feedback during practical activities
Self and peer evaluation to develop analytical skills
Celebration of individual progress and effort rather than just achievement

Progress Tracking:

Individual physical development journeys are celebrated, recognising different starting points and abilities
Progress measured through skill acquisition, fitness improvement and increased participation
Focus on personal best achievements and positive attitude development

Personal Development Assessment:

Recognition of improved confidence and self-esteem
Assessment of interpersonal skills and sportsmanship
Evaluation of leadership qualities and cooperation abilities

Pathways and Life Opportunities

Physical Education at Notton House Academy develops essential life skills and opens doors to various opportunities, directly supporting our mission to improve life opportunities for all pupils.

Recent Year 11 Destinations: Our pupils have successfully progressed to:

Further education courses with sport and fitness components
Apprenticeships in leisure and recreation sectors
Employment in various fields with increased confidence and teamwork skills
Specialist SEMH provisions with continued focus on physical wellbeing

Physical Education experience develops:

Leadership and teamwork abilities
Self-motivation and organisational skills
Confidence in physical activities and sport

PE skills provide pathways to:

Sports coaching and instruction opportunities
Leisure and recreation industry careers
Health and fitness sector employment
Enhanced wellbeing and social competence for all future endeavours

Physical education develops resilience, teamwork, and personal qualities that benefit pupils throughout their lives, particularly supporting mental health, social skills and physical wellbeing.

How Can You Support Your Child?

Encourage your child to be physically active outside school and celebrate their participation and effort rather than just results. Support their involvement in physical activities that they enjoy and help them understand the importance of regular exercise for both physical and mental health. Discuss their PE experiences positively and reinforce the values of fair play, respect and personal improvement.

Notton House Academy is part of Midsomer Norton Schools' Partnership