Physical Education Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Intent

At Chingford Foundation School, our Physical Education (PE) curriculum aims to provide an inclusive, inspiring and empowering experience that nurtures physical competence, mental resilience and a lifelong love of physical activity.

Our intent is to deliver a curriculum that promotes wellbeing, perseverance and mutual respect, encouraging students to strive for excellence in all areas of physical and academic performance. Through varied and engaging lessons, students develop the physical literacy, tactical understanding and social values that enable them to thrive both in sport and beyond.

The PE curriculum is underpinned by the school’s four pillars:

Knowledge – Students gain a deep understanding of health, fitness, anatomy and the principles of training, linking practical skills to theoretical knowledge.
Independence – Students learn to evaluate and improve their own performance, set goals, and take responsibility for their physical health and wellbeing.
Empowerment – Through sport and competition, students develop confidence, leadership and teamwork, empowering them to achieve their personal best.
Inclusion – All students, regardless of ability or background, are encouraged to participate fully, valuing diversity and respect within every activity.

Our overarching aim is for students to leave school with the skills, knowledge and motivation to remain active for life — embodying the principles of iPOWER: inclusion, perseverance, opportunity, wellbeing, excellence and respect.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)

At KS3, students build on the skills and experiences developed at primary school. They take part in a broad and balanced programme of activities that promotes physical development, tactical understanding and social wellbeing.

Each year builds progressively from isolated skills (Year 7) to conditioned scenarios (Year 8) and full competitive contexts (Year 9). Lessons focus on developing key social objectives such as teamwork, communication, resilience, confidence and respect.

Activities include:

Invasion games – Football, Netball, Basketball, Rugby, Handball, and Volleyball
Net and wall games – Table Tennis, Badminton and Pickleball
Striking and fielding – Cricket and Rounders
Athletics – Running, jumping and throwing events
Dance and Trampolining – Developing creativity, control and expression
Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (OAA) – Team building, leadership and problem solving

Through these activities, students develop fundamental movement skills, learn rules and tactics, and gain confidence in leadership roles such as officiating and coaching. Health-

related fitness (HRF) is taught across all years, promoting an understanding of exercise, intensity and healthy lifestyles.

By the end of KS3, students are able to analyse performance, use feedback to improve and demonstrate leadership and sportsmanship — preparing them for success at GCSE and lifelong participation in sport.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)

At KS4, students follow one of two pathways designed to meet their individual needs and aspirations:

1. Competition Pathway – Focused on performance, skill refinement and preparation for assessment in line with AQA GCSE practical criteria.

2. Healthy Participation Pathway – Focused on enjoyment, fitness and the development of lifelong active habits, encouraging engagement through a variety of team and individual activities.

Students rotate through a wide range of activities chosen collaboratively with staff to ensure variety, inclusivity and progression. Social and emotional development continues to play a key role, with lessons reinforcing teamwork, pride, determination and leadership.

Theoretical Knowledge (GCSE & Cambridge National)

For those studying examination PE, theory topics deepen understanding of:

Anatomy and Physiology – The musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems
Movement Analysis and Biomechanics
Health, Fitness and Training Principles
Sports Psychology and Skill Development
Socio-cultural Influences in Sport
Wellbeing, Diet and Nutrition

These themes are integrated into practical contexts, helping students to connect body systems, training principles and psychology to real performance.

Students studying the Cambridge National in Sport Studies also complete assessed components such as leading sports activities, analysing performance, and participating in outdoor and adventurous activities.

Across all routes, the focus is on improving physical competence, understanding, leadership and enjoyment.

Key Stage 5 (A Level PE & Sport Studies)

At A Level, students apply their theoretical knowledge to performance, exploring anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology and the social impact of sport in greater depth.

Topics include:

Applied Anatomy & Physiology
Skill Acquisition and Sports Psychology
Sport & Society
Biomechanical Principles
Energy Systems and Nutrition
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation

Students also complete a practical performance assessment and a written coursework analysis of their own sporting performance or coaching.

This stage equips students with the analytical, scientific and leadership skills needed for progression into sport-related degrees or careers in teaching, coaching, sports science, and the health and fitness industry.

Links to Other Curriculum Areas

PE connects strongly with subjects such as Biology, Psychology, and Health & Social Care, supporting understanding of anatomy, physiology, and wellbeing. The curriculum also complements PSHE through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and positive mental health.

Students’ mathematical and literacy skills are reinforced through performance analysis, data interpretation and reflective writing. Leadership opportunities across sports further develop communication, teamwork and decision-making — transferable skills for all careers.

Extra-Curricular and Enrichment Opportunities

Chingford Foundation School offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities to encourage participation, teamwork and competitive spirit. Clubs include:

Football, Netball, Basketball, Rugby, Cricket, Athletics, Badminton and Table Tennis
Fitness Clubs
Inter-house tournaments and local fixtures
Duke of Edinburgh Award and Sports Leadership programmes

These experiences promote inclusivity and wellbeing, allowing every student to find their passion and excel both within and beyond the classroom.