What We Teach and Why? - Physical Education

Why is it important to teach Physical Education?

Physical Education offers pupils the chance to develop physical and mental skills, allowing pupils to work individually or as a team to problem solve, communicate and cooperate to achieve their objectives. Physical activity also enables our students to lead healthy lives. There are many skills that can be honed through sport and physical activity that can improve employability, especially when applying for 6th form, university and future employment such as the ability to work in a team, strategize and leadership skills.

What opportunities are on offer at our school?

The PE Curriculum offers an extensive variety of activities in which pupils can take part. Activities that are popular in lessons are also available to do as extracurricular clubs, such as Basketball and Football, and there are also opportunities to then represent the school team in competitive fixtures and competitions. Cardinal Pole has made great strides in recent years to develop sporting opportunities, with our sports teams competing in district, regional and national competitions in a variety of sports. We run teams for boys and girls from Year 7 up to Sixth Form, which regularly attends sports fixtures and competitions.?

The PE Department run a selection of extracurricular Clubs that offer opportunities in both competitive sports and recreational activities, to allow all pupils to develop a lifelong love for physical activity and to promote healthy lifestyles. We also have developed links with external teams and organisations to allow pupils to continue to nurture their talents.?

There are also many opportunities for external trips, including the Year 7 Trip to the Herts Young Mariners Base, where pupils take part in amazing activities such as Kayaking, Caving, Raft Building and Archery. There are also opportunities to take part in qualifications, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Sports Leaders and Coaching/Refereeing Courses through our partners in the community.

The PE Department also run our Annual Sports Day, which has developed over the last few years to become a massive school community event. Sports and Physical Activity are also a main feature of our Year 6 Transition Summer School Programme, helping develop confidence and build friendships through cooperation and teamwork.

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Written by Mr N McDaid, Director of Sport