Physical Education

Welcome to the Physical Education Department

I praise you. For I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

Christian Vision and Values in Physical Education

Welcome to the Physical Education department, where we are committed to providing an inclusive, engaging and inspiring environment for all students. As a Church of England school, we strive to embody and reflect God’s presence in all that we do, encouraging students to grow not only in their physical abilities but also in their character and values.

Within PE, we actively promote all school values but emphasise the importance of patience, respect and truth, supporting students to develop teamwork, resilience and integrity both on and off the field.

We are guided by the words of Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” which reminds us of the value and uniqueness of every individual, particularly in recognising and respecting the body and its capabilities.

Physical Education Curriculum Intent

Our PE Curriculum aims to provide opportunities for all students to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Our main aims are that all students enjoy taking part in physical activity, that they take part in competitive sport and that they develop knowledge, skills and qualities which will benefit them in the world beyond school.

We aim to inspire students of all abilities to strive to achieve their personal best, in a broad range of sporting activities, allowing students to compete and develop in a safe and supporting environment. Students should be able to develop their strengths and be able to identify their weaknesses, not being afraid to fail as they aim to improve.

Our curriculum should allow all students to advance their physical skills but also embed key values such as sportsmanship, fairness and respect. Students should develop their teamwork skills and be able to work with others to achieve a common goal. We aim to provide opportunities for students to grow their leadership skills and build their resilience for a world that is changing at an increasing pace.

We are committed to ensuring that all students leave Balshaw’s with the knowledge that being physically active, on a regular basis, is vital for health and well-being and that all students have the confidence to continue to take part in competitive or recreational sport for the rest of their adult lives.

Physical Education Curriculum Implementation for Core PE

Key Stage 4 Physical Education Option Qualifications

All students in Key Stage 4 will receive a non-examined core PE curriculum of two lessons per fortnight. In addition to this, students have the exciting opportunity to further develop their knowledge, understanding and practical performance in Physical Education through two distinct pathways offered during the Year 9 options process. 

We offer both the AQA GCSE Physical Education course and the OCR Cambridge National in Sport Studies (Level 1/2). The AQA GCSE PE provides a balanced mix of theoretical learning and practical performance, ideal for students who are interested in understanding how the body works, the principles of training, and the wider role of sport in society. In contrast, the OCR Sport Studies course takes a more vocational approach, focusing on real-world applications of sport, including leadership, sports organisation, and contemporary issues, with a greater emphasis on coursework.

More detailed information about each course can be found using the links to the course websites below.

AQA GCSE PE

The AQA GCSE Physical Education course offers students a balanced introduction to both the practical and theoretical aspects of sport. Students will develop their performance in physical activities while gaining an understanding of key concepts related to fitness, training, and the body in action.

This course is well suited to students who enjoy being active and want to deepen their knowledge of Physical Education through both practical and classroom-based learning.

For further information about the AQA GCSE PE course please go to GCSE Physical Education 8582 | Specification | AQA

Sport Studies Level 1/Level 2

We are excited to introduce OCR Sport Studies (Level 1/2) as a new option for Year 9 students to choose as part of their GCSE pathways, starting in the 2026–2027 academic year. This engaging course is designed for students who have an interest in sport and physical activity and want to explore how the sports industry works both on and off the field.

Students will learn about topics such as sports leadership, the development of sport, and the impact of physical activity on health and wellbeing. The course combines practical activities with classroom learning, helping students develop valuable skills including teamwork, communication, organisation, and leadership.

OCR Sport Studies is a great choice for students who enjoy sport and want to gain a deeper understanding of the role sport plays in society, while also building skills that are useful for further study and future careers in the sports and leisure industry.

Cambridge Nationals - Sport Studies Level 1/Level 2 – J829

For further information about the OCR GCSE PE course please to go https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/physical-education-j587-from-2016/