Physical Education

Our vision is to foster a lifelong love of physical activity and to help pupils develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and values needed to lead healthy, active lives. Through a diverse curriculum, competitive opportunities and leadership experiences, we aim to develop resilient, motivated and reflective learners who understand the importance of physical activity beyond school.

Key Stage 3

Pupils build a strong foundation across a wide range of activities, including:

• Invasion games (football, netball, rugby, basketball, handball)
• Net and wall games (badminton, tennis, table tennis)
• Aesthetic activities (dance, gymnastics)
• Striking and fielding (rounders, cricket, softball)
• Outdoor and adventurous activities
• Health-related fitness and personal training concepts

Focus:
Skill development, teamwork, tactical understanding, and building confidence in a broad range of physical activities.

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Key Stage 4 – Core PE

All pupils continue to participate in physical activity, with a greater focus on:

• Maintaining physical fitness
• Understanding lifelong health and wellbeing
• Choosing activities that suit their interests and strengths
• Increased leadership and officiating opportunities
• Personalised pathways (e.g., competitive sport, fitness training, recreational activities)

Outcome:
Developing active, confident young people who understand how to stay healthy and enjoy physical activity independently.

The PE department offers a diverse enrichment programme, including:

• Lunchtime and after‑school sports clubs
• Inter‑year group competitions
• Fixtures in local and regional leagues
• Leadership programmes
• Links with community sports clubs

These opportunities help pupils broaden their experience, develop talent and take pride in representing the school.

Higher Education Pathways

GCSE PE provides an excellent foundation for progression to:

• A‑Level Physical Education
• BTEC / OCR Cambridge National in Sport or Sport Science
• NVQs in Coaching or Fitness
• Sports apprenticeships (coaching, leisure, fitness instruction)

From there, students can progress to:

• Sport & Exercise Science
• Physiotherapy
• Sports Coaching
• Sports Psychology
• Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation
• Strength & Conditioning
• PE Teaching / Education Studies
• Leisure & Event Management
• Public Services

GCSE PE builds the theoretical and practical grounding needed for success in these fields.

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Career Opportunities

GCSE PE can lead to a huge range of careers in the sports, fitness, health and leisure sectors, such as:

Sport Performance & Coaching

• Professional athlete
• Sports coach
• Strength & conditioning coach
• Performance analyst
• Talent development coach

Health, Science & Rehabilitation

• Physiotherapist
• Sports therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Nutritionist
• Sports medic / exercise physiologist

Fitness & Leisure Industry

• Personal trainer
• Gym instructor
• Fitness centre manager
• Outdoor activity instructor
• Lifeguard

Education & Community Roles

• PE teacher
• Teaching assistant
• Community sports leader
• Youth worker

Sports Business, Events & Media

• Sports journalist
• Sports marketing & media
• Event planning / sports event management
• Leisure management
• Social media content for sports brands or clubs

The combination of theory, performance and leadership skills gives students a strong platform for varied and fulfilling career routes.

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Life Skills & Personal Development

Beyond qualifications and careers, GCSE PE equips students with valuable life skills, including:

• Confidence & communication (from teamwork and leadership)
• Resilience & perseverance (through training, practice and competition)
• Healthy lifestyle habits that continue into adulthood
• Time management & organisation
• Problem-solving & critical thinking
• Empathy & cooperation when working with others
• Self-discipline & independence

These are skills that employers in every industry look for.

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A Pathway to Lifelong Wellbeing

GCSE PE encourages students to:

• Enjoy physical activity
• Understand fitness and health
• Build positive mental wellbeing strategies
• Stay active for life

This foundation helps students lead healthier, happier lives long after they leave school.

Physical Education is essential for building healthy habits, confidence, teamwork skills and physical literacy. You don’t need to be sporty yourself to support your child—small actions at home can make a big difference to their progress, motivation and wellbeing.

Here are practical ways to help your child succeed in PE at Forge Valley.

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Encourage an Active Lifestyle

Pupils make the best progress in PE when activity becomes part of their weekly routine. You can help by encouraging:

• Walks, bike rides or visits to local parks
• Playing outside or joining local sports clubs
• Walking to school, where possible
• Limiting long periods of sitting with movement breaks

Being active at home builds confidence in lessons.

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Support Organisation and Preparation

This is one of the biggest ways you can help. Make sure your child:

• Packs their PE kit the night before
• Brings correct footwear and clothing for indoor/outdoor activity
• Has hair tied back and jewellery removed for safety
• Has a water bottle for hydration

Feeling prepared reduces anxiety and helps pupils fully participate.

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Talk Positively About Physical Activity

Your attitude towards exercise really matters. You can support by:

• Encouraging effort rather than comparing ability
• Celebrating small achievements
• Helping them understand that improvement takes time
• Promoting a positive mindset about trying new activities

Confidence often grows faster than physical skill.

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Encourage Persistence and Resilience

PE involves challenge—new skills, teamwork, competition and physical exertion. Help your child by:

• Praising determination, not just success
• Reminding them it’s normal to find activities difficult at first
• Helping them reflect on what went well and what could improve

This builds resilience that benefits them across all subjects.

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Support Healthy Habits at Home

You can reinforce good habits by:

• Encouraging regular sleep routines
• Providing healthy snacks and hydration
• Limiting excessive screen time
• Supporting good hygiene after PE lessons (e.g. using deodorant)

These habits help pupils feel confident and comfortable during activity.

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Take an Interest in What They’re Learning

Ask about:

• What sports or skills they are currently learning
• What they enjoyed (or didn’t enjoy) and why
• Any new activities they would like to try

Showing interest makes pupils feel supported and valued.

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Promote Involvement in Extra-Curricular Sport

If possible, encourage your child to join:

• After-school sports clubs
• Local community teams or youth groups
• School fixtures or competitions

Regular participation builds teamwork skills, fitness and friendships.

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Communicate with the PE Department

If your child:

• Feels anxious about PE
• Needs support with kit
• Has an injury or temporary medical issue
• Wants to improve a particular skill

The PE team is happy to help. Keeping teachers informed ensures your child gets the right support.