Physical Education

PE Curriculum Overview

At Salmons Brook School, Physical Education is a vital part of our holistic curriculum, supporting students with EHCPs and SEMH needs to develop not only physical skills, but also confidence, emotional regulation, teamwork, and a positive attitude towards health and wellbeing. PE is taught twice weekly as a core subject in Key Stages 3 and 4, ensuring consistent engagement in physical activity for all. Students also have the opportunity to select PE as a KS4 option subject, leading to accreditation in Cambridge National Sports Studies at Level 1 or 2, based on their needs and starting points. 

Intent 

Our PE curriculum is designed to: 

  • Foster a love for sport, physical activity, and movement by offering a diverse and engaging programme tailored to individual abilities. 

  • Improve students’ physical competence, health-related fitness, and tactical understanding across a broad range of traditional and non-traditional sports. 

  • Build essential personal and interpersonal skills such as resilience, communication, cooperation, and self-management. 

  • Encourage lifelong participation in physical activity by providing students with positive, accessible and rewarding experiences. 

  • Provide qualifications and experiences that support progression into sports leadership, health, fitness, or leisure-related careers. 

Implementation 

PE is delivered through a rich and varied programme at KS3 and KS4, with structured progression across each year group: 

Core PE (KS3 & KS4) 

  • Students access two timetabled sessions each week, covering a wide range of activities including: 

  • Invasion games (football, handball, basketball) 

  • Net/wall games (badminton, table tennis) 

  • Gymnastics and trampolining 

  • Health-related fitness 

  • Swimming, dance, and parkour 

  • Striking and fielding (rounders, cricket) 

  • Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (OAA) 

  • Lessons focus on developing physical literacy, tactical awareness, and the ability to work independently or within a team. 

  • Students are assessed against key strands: skill development, decision-making, leadership, fitness, and theoretical understanding of rules and performance. 

  • CREATE values (Community, Relationships, Enrichment, Aspirations, Trust, Education) are embedded in every session, especially through leadership opportunities and teamwork. 

KS4 Option: Cambridge National Sports Studies (Level 1/2) 

Students who opt for PE at KS4 follow the Cambridge National pathway, allowing for a mix of practical and theory-based learning. The qualification includes: 

  • Unit R185 – Performance and Leadership in Sport: Students demonstrate technical ability in two sports, plan and deliver a practical session, and evaluate their leadership performance. 

  • Unit R187 – Outdoor and Adventurous Activities: Students learn about different types of OAA, research local and national provision, plan and participate in an activity, and reflect on the benefits. 

  • Unit R184 – Contemporary Issues in Sport: Students explore topics such as barriers to participation, sports values, governing bodies, major sporting events, and the use of technology. This unit is externally assessed via exam. 

  • The course is designed to support individual progress, with scaffolding and adapted resources to enable all students to achieve success at either Level 1 or 2. 

Students are supported through tailored instruction, guided reflections, differentiated resources, and practical assessment opportunities. Regular formative feedback and structured peer/self-assessment ensure sustained progress and personal development. 

Impact 

Through PE at Salmons Brook: 

  • All students experience regular, high-quality physical activity which improves physical health, motor coordination, and mental wellbeing. 

  • Students develop core social and emotional skills including leadership, teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving—skills that transfer into life beyond sport. 

  • Those taking PE as an option course achieve a nationally recognised qualification in sport, supporting future study or vocational pathways in fitness, coaching, or youth work. 

  • Students show increased confidence, self-esteem, and readiness to participate in lifelong physical activity, which is especially significant for those with SEMH needs. 

  • Impact is monitored through ongoing practical assessments, accreditation success, and student engagement, with success celebrated through awards, leadership roles, and participation in enrichment activities. 

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