St John's RC AcademyPhysical Education
Staff
The Physical Education department consists of 5 PE staff and 1 Active Schools Co-ordinator. The Head of the department is Mr Robinson (also HWB co-ordinator) with Mr Simpson, Miss Cafferty (also Head of House), Mrs Tomb, and Mr Flynn making up the rest of the PE teachers. Mrs Cameron is our Active Schools Co-ordinator.
We are very lucky to have a ‘21st century’ department which consists of a small and big games hall, fitness suite, dance studio, classroom, outdoor Astro, grass pitch and Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).
Each teaching area is well equipped, our classroom has an interactive smart board, and we are proactive in the use of online resources (Teams) to help support our pupils learning.
We offer a wide array of courses within the Broad General Education (BGE) and Senior Phase (SP) level.
BGE
From S1-S3 all pupils are entitled to 2 periods of Core PE each week.
In S1 pupils remain in their ‘set’ class eg 1A, 1B etc but in S2 and S3 pupils are given more personalisation and choice in the class they are in. This is to allow each pupil to feel as comfortable as possible and participate and learn in an environment that is more suitable for them.
A focus in S3 core, over and above working through the BGE experiences and outcomes, is to get all our pupils to complete a National 3 award.
As well as core we also offer Masterclass and Wider Achievement courses.
The Masterclasses are delivered over 2 periods a week and focus on introducing pupils to the course content for the National 3-5 course on offer in S4.
Wider achievement in comes in the form of the SQA ‘Sport and Recreation courses. These courses come with an additional award attached to them, going on the basis that pupils complete the necessary work. For example, pupils can achieve a Performance unit award at a level they are performing at (National 4 – Advanced Higher).
Senior Phase
All pupils in S4-6 continue to receive 2 periods of core PE each week.
In S4 core pupils are given the option to complete a National 4 award and have further opportunities to gain Performance unit passes at a level suited to their abilities eg National 5 – Advanced Higher.
In S5/6 core, opportunities will be given for pupils to gain additional awards/qualifications throughout the session, this is supplemented by the PE department’s offerings in the Wider Achievement columns on the timetable.
In S4, pupils can follow the National 3-5 and/or the National 4/5 Sport and Recreation courses.
In S5 & S6, pupils can choose to continue their studies in PE at National 5/Higher level (this will depend on what they have achieved in S4).
The National 4/5 Sport and Recreation course is still an option for those who did not choose it in S4 or for those who achieved a National 4 award in S4 and therefore can progress onto National 5 in S5/6.
In S5/6 pupils, depending on subject choice across the school, can choose to complete the National Progression Award (NPA) in Exercise and Fitness Leadership which is delivered at level 6 (Higher level). This is delivered 6 periods per week and is a level 6 (Higher) award.
In S6 pupils can choose to continue their progression from Higher PE in S5 and move onto Advanced Higher. There is also an option of choosing an NPA in Exercise and Fitness Leadership which is delivered at level 6 (Higher level).
In S6 pupils have opportunities to follow Wider Achievement courses that are delivered over two periods per week. Currently we deliver an SQA Level 4 Award in Wellbeing, a column focusing on achieving practical PE units at National 4, 5, Higher or Advanced Higher level (based on any previous achievement) and a SCQF Award in Employability at either level 3 or 4.
Continuous formative and summative assessments are used to track and monitor pupil progress throughout all years.
Homework
Regular homework plays a vital role in the development and consolidation of knowledge and skills. Any homework given will usually be set on Microsoft Teams, with, where necessary, printed worksheets for additional support. There is also homework/study support club offered at set times throughout the year.
Extra-Curricular
We actively encourage participation in extra-curricular clubs, team fixtures and competitions throughout the year. We offer a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs throughout the school week that allow pupils additional opportunities to participate, further develop skills and abilities, spend time with their peers but most of all have fun. These opportunities are great in supporting the positive wellbeing of our children and young people.
Exam/Assessment Revision links and course information
Advanced Higher
Course overview - www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/48452.html
Support notes - slideplayer.com/slide/15429883/
Dissertation examples - www.understandingstandards.org.uk/Subjects/PhysicalEducation/Advanced/Project
Higher
Course overview and revision support notes - www.understandingstandards.org.uk/Subjects/PhysicalEducation/Advanced/Project
National 5
Course overview - www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47399.html
Support notes - www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zctsr82
National 4
Course overview - www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47394.html
Support notes - www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z4hfcdm www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zfjmsbk
National 3
Course overview - www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/48603.html
NPA Exercise and Fitness Leadership – Level 6
Course overview - www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/38708.html
NPA Play in a Sports Environment – Level 6 (individual unit)
Course overview - www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/38714.html
National 4/5 Sport and Recreation
Course overview for National 4 - www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/69486.html
Course overview for National 5 - www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/69489.html
Mental Health and Wellbeing Award – Level 4/5
Course overview - www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/83453.html
Broad General Education (BGE)
education.gov.scot/improvement/search/?orderBy=relevance&query=Physical%20Education
PE study support
The PE department will offer sufficient opportunity to access extra support with the courses on offer. Study Support classes will be finalised later in the year with options over lunchtime, afterschool and online.