Our mission statement is;  

‘To provide an excellent physical education experience through the delivery of a varied and ambitious Curriculum, supported by outstanding extra-curricular opportunities, inspiring lifelong participation in sport and physical activity in line with Corsham School’s character values.’  

We aim to provide high quality PE lessons which will enthuse and inspire all pupils to pursue an active lifestyle throughout their lives. At The Corsham School pupils will follow a specific pathway which will provide them all with the best experience. Pupils are taught in mixed ability tutor groups in year 7 and are usually set in year 8 and are taught in single sex groups up to year 10.   

KS3 CORE PE 

In KS3 pupils have 5 hours of PE a fortnight. Pupils participate in a broad and ambitious curriculum which includes many different activities such as a range of invasion games (eg hockey, netball, football, rugby), net games (eg tennis and badminton), striking and fielding games (eg cricket and rounders), dance, athletics, swimming and outdoor and adventurous activities. Pupils are taught a range of core and advanced skills and how to use a range of tactics and strategies to overcome opponents within the rules of the event in a competitive situation. In addition to this they are taught how to participate safely and effectively as a means of leading a healthy, active lifestyle both in school and beyond. Pupil’s knowledge and performance in PE lessons is built on year on year and many pupils choose to attend the vast array of extracurricular activities offered each term as a means of further extending their experience.  

Pupils are taught in mixed ability classes in year 7 and then are usually set in year 8 and split into two pathways. The two pathways both allow pupils to access the same range of activities but provide slightly different experiences.  

The performance pathway looks to benefit pupils who are highly competitive and keen to pursue extra-curricular sport. These pupils would also be well suited to studying  

GCSE PE in KS4.  

The participation pathway is aimed more at trying to achieve mass participation and trying to ensure that pupils maintain a healthy active lifestyle through enjoyable, accessible lessons from a broad curriculum. These pupils would be well suited to studying Cambridge Nationals Sports Studies in KS4. 

In year 9 pupils can apply to become Sports Leaders. They are encouraged to apply by their PE teahcers and the application process is open to any pupil in year 9 who shows a love of the subject and a willingness to support others. Sports Leaders are selected following a programme of leadership training by the SSCo. These pupils then become ambassadors for the department, helping out at full school events such as open evenings and supporting the SSCo in cluster primary festivals. 

KS4 CORE PE 

In KS4 pupils have 4 hours of PE a fortnight. We continue to provide pupils with a broad and ambitious curriculum. We understand the importance of sport and PE as pupils progress through KS4 and the positive impact it can have on a young person's mental and social wellbeing. In year 11 pupils have the opportunity through student voice, conducted at the end of year 10, to opt for their favourite activities. This aims to promote and maintain engagement which will ensure pupils follow a healthy active lifestyle post-16. 

KS4 PE EXAM COURSES 

In year 9 pupils can opt for one of two different courses. The GCSE PE option requires pupils to be assessed in three different practical activities. It is strongly recommended that pupils particpate regularly in sport/physical activity outside of school for at least one of their chosen three activities. They are also encouraged to make the most of the vast array of extra-curricular clubs that are offered to maximize their marks in the NEA part of the course. In lessons, pupils learn about the various physical factors that can affect sport and the impact of cultural and psychological factors. 

The Cambridge Nationals (Sports Studies) is predominantly assessed through NEA (Non-examined assessment). This course combines performance in sport with analysis of pupils’ own skills, techniques and tactics. In addition to this, pupils learn about current contemporary issues in sport such as the Olympic and Paralympic movement.  

KS5 PE EXAM COURSES 

Similar to KS4 we offer two courses at KS5. Pupils can opt for A level PE (OCR). The syllabus is split into three areas, Physiological, Psychological and Socio-cultural factors affecting sport and physical activity. Content builds and extends on work covered in GCSE PE but also includes new topics in all three areas.  

The Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Sport and Physical Activity provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required in this sector. Using a practical approach and a choice of pathways, they help students develop specific skills that enable them to participate as assistants in various roles. 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES 

The PE team are passionate and committed to delivering a plethora of different clubs. From Cheerleading club to rugby club there will be something for everyone. Clubs offer equal opportunities to all pupils. Whether pupils want to just turn up and take part or are keen to represent the school at competitive school fixtures, all are welcome. Clubs are changed termly, and information is available on the school website.  

Knowledge Organisers:

Knowledge Organisers provide the core knowledge from our curriculum that the students are required to know to meet curriculum expectations. They are an excellent resource to use for revision in preparation for assessments or examinations.

The KS4 Subject Specific Knowledge Organisers can be found in the "In this section" tab at the right hand side of this page.