PE, Health & Social Care | St Cuthbert's Academy

“Physical Education develops pupils’ competence and confidence to take part in a range of physical activities that become a central part of their lives, both in and out of school.” – National Curriculum for England, Department for Education
“In BTEC Level 2 Health and Social Care, students develop essential skills and knowledge to provide effective care and support in diverse healthcare environments, promoting holistic well-being and professional standards.” – Pearson BTEC Level 2 Technical Award in Health and Social Care Specification
“The NCFE Child Development qualification equips learners with a strong foundation in understanding the care and development of children aged 0–5, fostering essential knowledge and practical skills to support early years settings and promote positive outcomes for children’s well-being and learning.” – NCFE Level 2 Technical Award in Child Development Specification

Curriculum Intent

At St Cuthbert’s, our PE curriculum is intentionally designed — and regularly reviewed — to meet the needs of all learners. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, it aims to inspire joy in movement, confidence in capability, and a lifelong commitment to physical activity and well-being. Through a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum, every student is encouraged to explore a range of sporting disciplines and find enjoyment in physical activity, whether through participation or performance.

We promote an aspirational culture, where every student has the opportunity to experience success, regardless of prior experience or perceived ability. We believe PE is a powerful vehicle for holistic development — shaping character, resilience, leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking — while embedding the values and habits that support a healthy, purposeful life beyond school.

We strive to ensure all students:

Become confident, resilient individuals who lead healthy, active lifestyles.
Develop transferable life and employability skills such as communication, leadership, and collaboration.
Gain exposure to new and enriching sporting experiences that build a love of learning.
Are aware of career and progression routes in the sport, fitness, and health industries.
Have opportunities to reflect, improve and achieve their personal best.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to promote knowledge retention, skill progression, and meaningful learning.

We use Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction to support effective teaching across all lessons:

Frequent review of learning.
Introduction of new material in small, manageable steps.
Use of modelling, guided practice, and scaffolding for complex skills.
Questioning for understanding and formative feedback throughout.

In line with the National Curriculum for PE, students will:

Use tactics and strategies in team and individual games to overcome opponents.
Develop technical proficiency and performance in a range of competitive sports.
Explore and perform dances across styles using advanced techniques.
Engage in outdoor and adventurous activities that develop problem-solving and teamwork.
Analyse and evaluate their performance, demonstrating improvement over time.
Participate in community or club-based physical activity outside of school.
Carry forward all of these aspects into KS4, fostering a lifelong commitment to physical well-being.

P.E. – “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)
H&SC- “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Child Development – “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

P.E., Health & Social Care and Child Development