In Physical Education (PE) at Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams, pupils develop a range of physical, cognitive, and social skills to help them become well-rounded and physically literate individuals. The curriculum is designed in alignment with the PACE principles, promoting Pride, Ambition, Care, and Excellence in all lessons and physical activities.

• Pride: We instill a sense of pride in students, encouraging them to take ownership of their personal health and fitness, and to develop a lifelong passion for physical activity. This is complemented by a strong emphasis on team spirit and collaboration, fostering a sense of community and belonging both within the school and in the wider Stoke area.

• Ambition: The PE curriculum is ambitious, offering a variety of activities that challenge students to excel physically, mentally, and socially. From traditional team sports to individual fitness challenges, students are encouraged to set personal goals, push their limits, and strive for excellence. The curriculum reflects current research and best practices in physical education, ensuring high standards and academic rigour.

• Care: We promote a caring and supportive environment where all students are encouraged to participate and enjoy physical activity, regardless of their ability. Lessons are designed to develop not only physical skills but also emotional and social well-being. Respect for others, teamwork, and sportsmanship are central to our approach, ensuring that pupils learn to value fairness, inclusion, and diversity both on and off the field.

• Excellence: At Florence MacWilliams, we aim for excellence in PE, with a curriculum that is both broad and balanced. We develop students' physical competence and confidence across a range of activities, including invasion games, net/wall games, striking/fielding games, athletics, gymnastics, dance, and outdoor adventurous activities. The curriculum is carefully structured to progress from basic movement skills in Year 7 to more complex strategies and tactics in Years 8 and 9.

Key Concepts and Skills: The PE curriculum is aligned with the National Curriculum for Physical Education at KS3, ensuring that students develop a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and skills. These include:

• Competence: Developing a range of skills in various physical activities, from basic movement patterns to complex tactics and strategies.

• Performance: Understanding how to improve in different physical activities and sports, with a focus on personal and team performance.

• Healthy Active Lifestyles: Promoting lifelong physical activity and an understanding of how physical fitness contributes to overall health and well-being.

• Evaluation: Encouraging students to critically evaluate their own and others’ performances, understanding how to improve and the importance of resilience and persistence.

By the end of KS3, students are expected to demonstrate competence and confidence in a range of physical activities, with a solid understanding of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude towards physical education. The PE curriculum at Florence MacWilliams is designed not only to develop physical skills but also to foster personal growth, teamwork, and a lifelong love of physical activity.