Physical Education Policy

Rationale

The Proprietors, Principal and all other staff are committed to the promotion of an active, healthy lifestyle in all pupils, as well as a development of the pupil’s understanding of the benefits and risk involved in physical activity. Albion College differs from other schools in its Physical Education policy in that many sporting facilities including swimming and health that will be used are found outside of the school site.

The Principal, Proprietors and other staff have taken this into account in their dealing with the health and safety of all pupils. However the thriving judo club (externally provided) does take place on site.

Aims

Albion College considers physical education a vital part of a pupil’s education and a necessary step in fully understanding the capabilities and limitations of one’s own body. In the teaching of physical education Albion College hopes to achieve the following aims:

• To provide all pupils with the opportunity to access and enjoy a variety of sports as an individual and within a team.
• Promote the importance of physical education not only in the School Curriculum but in the child’s wider life in general.
• Provide and encourage play areas for the pupils which allow them to explore and develop their Physical Education.
• Sustain a positive connection with other schools through inter-school sports matches, and through residential activity centres in the region that can provide a further side to Physical Education for the pupils of Albion College.
• Use Physical Education as a vehicle for delivering wider themes such as courage, teamwork, leadership and ethics that can be utilised in the pupils’ adult life.
• Encourage physical activity and health of all staff involved in the school through health suites and pools.
• Help pupils to develop their psychomotor skills, co-ordination, mobility, flexibility, strength and fitness.

Ethos and Environment

• Pupils are given the ability to shape their Key Stage 4 Physical Education Curriculum to reflect the sports and activities they enjoy.
• Pupils’ achievements in sport, including concepts such as taking part a good sportsmanship are recognised and awarded by the school, as part of a friendly, welcoming environment that fully recognises.
• Discretion and separation are exercised in regard to changing. Separate changing rooms are provided for boys and girls and for any religious observances maintained by pupils.
• Although Albion College does provide a specific sports kit for pupils, a degree of flexibility is allowed to ensure the pupils get as much enjoyment as possible out of their activities.
• Physical Education staff are highly trained, active and welcoming to provide pupils with the best opportunities available and a high level of study.
• Pupils that do not take part in Physical Education are not ostracised but incorporated into a friendly environment that helps and supports them in a process that will lead to them working alongside their peers in Physical Education.
• The facilities and equipment that are available are checked and maintained regularly.

Curriculum

• Albion College adheres to GCSE, AS, A-Level and University Foundation curriculum structures.
• The Key Stage 3 curriculum is broad and varied, allowing pupils to enjoy a wide variety of physical activities such as swimming, athletics, gymnastics, health related activity, and dance.
• Pupils at Key Stage 4 extend their choice and the structure of the course becomes flexible, allowing pupils to follow a path that utilises the activities they prefer and the type of physical activity they enjoy. E.g. competitive, leadership, aesthetic.
• Pupils in Year 10 and 11 are usually taught in mixed ability groups reflecting their choices in activity. However there are occasions when the external provider will have single-sex settings
• The majority of Physical Education lessons take place in a mixed-sex setting reflecting the choices of the pupils. However there are occasions when the external provider will have single-sex settings to reduce discrepancies in behaviour and ensure attention remains focused.
• Visits to outdoor education centres are built into the programme on both a day and residential basis. These include Covent Garden Dragon Hall Trust and the Kingswood and Ferny Crofts Centres, where facilities would be available for high ropes, low ropes, caving, abseiling, rock-climbing, canoeing, sailing and team-building exercises. Additionally an overseas residential experience, skiing, is to be organised on an annual basis.

Out of Hours Provision/Extra-curricular

• Albion College will develop an extensive extra-curricular programme involving a wide range of sports and physical activities,
• Pupils of all ages and all standards are encouraged to attend clubs and practise sessions.
• In terms of inter-school matches, not only are A-string teams created, but B and C strings are also created and all take part in competitions, allowing pupils of all calibres to enjoy competitive sport.
• House competitions complement the physical education syllabus provided by Albion College and the competitive spirit encouraged in all levels of ability.
• Pupils are encouraged to be active during lunchtimes and to take part in amateur sports where possible.

Community Links

• Albion College will soon be working closely with many amateur sports clubs within the local area to provide pupils with opportunities in the sporting world outside of the school environment.
• Albion College is also negotiating with nearby colleges for joint participation in other extra-curricular activities to enhance physical education.
• Parents are involved in competitive sport and are contacted regularly about opportunities regarding physical education and inter-school competitions.
• An information booklet is being produced for parents.
• Specific events such as Sports Day and Sports Award Evening are organised to promote physical education and incorporate parents into the sporting environment of the school and the achievements of all pupils within it.