Physical Education

The Sport Science and Physical Education department is based in the Sports Centre. We have two dedicated classrooms, alongside a large sports hall with sprung wooden floor, two fitness suites, indoor cricket nets, and three glass-back squash courts.

Outside facilities include a full size floodlit astro-turf pitch, extensive hard courts and playing fields and cricket squares. A 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool is available throughout the year and is fully equipped for competitive swimming and water activities. We also have a professional dance studio located within the Great Hall complex.

Years 7-9 Physical Education

Physical Education is usually taught in mixed gender groups to give pupils a broad range of experience in many activities to complement the Games programme. They acquire knowledge and skills in indoor invasion games including basketball, badminton, handball, aesthetic activities including dance and trampolining, track and field athletics, health and fitness, outdoor education, swimming and personal survival.

GCSE Sport Science

GCSE Sports Science is a highly popular and successful course, currently studied by approximately 70 pupils across Years 10 and 11. Outcomes are consistently excellent. In 2026, 46% of pupils achieved the highest grade (9), while 72% secured a grade 8 or above.

The course provides pupils with a broad understanding of the scientific principles that underpin sport and physical performance. A wide range of theoretical topics are studied, including anatomy and physiology, physical training, sport psychology, health, fitness and wellbeing, and ethical and socio-cultural issues in sport. This knowledge is assessed through:

• Two written examination papers at the end of Year 11, which together account for 60% of the final GCSE grade.
• A written coursework component, worth 10% of the final grade. This involves an in-depth analysis and evaluation of their own performance within a chosen sport or physical activity, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
• Practical performance forms a significant element of the qualification and accounts for 30% of the final grade. Pupils are assessed in three activities: one team sport, one individual sport, and a third activity from either category. All activities must be selected from the examination board’s approved list, which can be viewed here: OCR GCSE (9-1) Physical Education J587 Guide to Non-exam Assessment (NEA) – Version 4.8 (January 2025) Assessments must be conducted in authentic competitive situations, and pupils are strongly encouraged to be participating regularly and performing to a good standard in their chosen activities before selecting this course.

GCSE Sports Science provides an excellent foundation for further study at A Level Sports Science and is particularly well suited to pupils with a genuine interest in sport, physical performance, and the science behind improving athletic achievement.

A Level Sports Science

A Level Physical Education is an exciting and academically rigorous course that combines the science behind human performance with the practical application of sport. Students develop a detailed understanding of how physiological, psychological and socio-cultural factors influence sporting performance, whilst also exploring the role of sport in contemporary society.

Our students achieve exceptional outcomes, with 91% achieving a Grade B or higher and 55% achieving a Grade A or higher in 2026.

Students study a wide range of topics including applied anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, skill acquisition, sport and exercise psychology, sport and society, and the impact of technology on physical activity and performance. The socio-cultural element of the course encourages students to examine how sport has evolved over time, exploring the historical development of physical activity and the ways in which sport has both reflected and shaped society throughout different periods of history.

Assessment is varied and allows students to demonstrate both their theoretical knowledge and practical ability. The qualification is assessed through

• Two written examinations (70%)
• A written Performance Analysis and Evaluation coursework project (15%)
• A practical performance assessment in one chosen sport (15%). Pupils should be performing at a high competitive level to do well in this element.

A Level Sport Science is ideal for students with a genuine passion for sport who want to understand the factors that influence performance, participation and excellence in physical activity. Combining scientific rigour with real-world application, the qualification provides an excellent foundation for degrees and careers in areas such as sports and exercise science, medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, nutrition and other STEM and health-related fields.