Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form

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Physical Education

It is our intent in PE to create an inclusive curriculum that provides students with opportunities to succeed in sport and physical activity, providing knowledge and understanding of how to lead a healthy active lifestyle throughout adulthood and to provide a love of learning that inspires a lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity.  

Pupils are given the opportunity to excel within a broad curriculum with a focus on improving their motor competence (in warm-ups; skills within lessons – passing etc), knowledge of rules, tactics and strategies while engaging in healthy participation. 

The sequencing of our curriculum across KS3 provides opportunities for students to build their confidence, communication, resilience, and leadership skills in the broad number of sports that are offered, and skills that are learnt are transferrable across the different sports. These skills are built upon from year 7 to year 9 where more tactical based skills are learnt alongside the more technical skills. 

In year 9, students are also provided with theory knowledge, which not only gives them an understanding of the topics in GCSE PE but also provides them with them with knowledge that they can use in later life with regards to their health and physical resilience. 

The knowledge and skills that are learnt both theoretically and physically are continued into GCSE PE and BTEC Sport where the depth and breadth of knowledge is increased throughout KS4 and KS5. 

Curriculum Overview & Exam Information

PE Curriculum Overview - Year 7

PE Curriculum Overview - Year 8

PE Curriculum Overview - Year 9

PE Curriculum Overview - Year 10

PE Curriculum Overview - Year 11

PE Curriculum Overview - Year 12 BTEC

PE Curriculum Overview - Year 13 BTEC

PE Exam Information - GCSE

Learning & Careers

Learning Journey

PE Department Staff

Harrington, Mr A
Subject Leader - PE, Geography Teacher
alex.harrington@notleyhigh.com

Murphy, Mrs A
Teacher of PE
amy.murphy@notleyhigh.com

Trafford, Miss C
PE Teacher
claire.trafford@notleyhigh.com

Morbin, Mr H
RSL Year 9, PE Teacher
harry.morbin@notleyhigh.com

Murdoch, Miss K
Designated Safeguarding Lead
katie.murdoch@notleyhigh.com

Thomas, Miss C
Teacher of PE
clare.thomas@notleyhigh.com

Edexcel GCSE Physical Education

What does this course involve?

Students study a variety of theoretical topics, which make up 60% of the final grade. They are split into two components:

Component 1 – Fitness and Body Systems 

Applied anatomy and physiology

Movement analysis

Physical training

 

 

Component 2 – Health and Performance 

Health, fitness and well-being

Sport psychology

Socio-cultural influences

Component 3 – Practical Performance

Students are assessed in three activities; one team activity, one individual activity and a third which can be either a team OR individual activity. Your child will be assessed in a variety of sports within lessons and can also submit video evidence, if they compete in an event to a higher standard or one which we are unable to provide in school.

Component 4 – Personal Exercise Programme (PEP)

This coursework component counts for 10% of the final GCSE grade. Students put into practice all the theoretical knowledge they have gained to design, complete and evaluate a 6-week physical training programme based on their own fitness.

How are students assessed?

Theory content (2 exam papers) 

60% 

Practical performance 

30%

Coursework  

10%

Core PE

In Years 10 and 11, students who do not opt for the GCSE route benefit from 2 lessons a week (1 if they follow the triple science pathway), with a greater focus on game/match play of the sports they studied in depth in KS3. Skills, rules and tactics are applied in a variety of conditioned and real-time games, where there is a real focus on enjoyment and engagement in physical activity.

Extra Curricular PE

Throughout the year we offer a wide range of extra-curricular PE clubs during lunch and after school, to help encourage participation and promote competition as well as to further develop the students’ technique and tactical awareness. All students are welcome and encouraged to participate in all extra-curricular PE clubs, except for a few clubs which are limited to teams only.

When students attend an extra-curricular club, they receive a stamp on their Extra-Curricular Loyalty Card, which acknowledges attendance and recognises their participation in that club. Each stamp earns the student one House point.

We have been largely successful within the district and county in recent years in a range of sports. Some of our successes include:

  • U14 Essex Plate Netball Finalists
  • Year 11 Boys Football District Champions
  • Year 10 Boys Football District Champions
  • U14 Girls Football Essex Cup Semi-Finalists
  • U12, U13, U14, U15 & U16 Boys Futsal District Champions
  • U16 Girls and Boys Handball District Champions
  • Year 7 Girls and Boys Handball District Champions
  • U14 Girls Handball District Champions
  • Year 8 & 9 Boys Basketball District Champions

Clubs we offer throughout the year include:

  • Athletics
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Cricket
  • Dodgeball
  • Fitness
  • Football
  • Handball
  • Netball
  • Rounders
  • Table-Tennis
  • Tennis
  • Trampolining

Click here to see the current list of extra-curricular activities.

FC Evolution: Competitive Football for Ambitious Boys & Girls

A New Chapter: Our Partnership with Notley High School

We're proud to announce our new partnership with Notley High School, marking an exciting new chapter in our journey.

Through this collaboration, we’ll be embedding our football coaching expertise within the school environment, offering students opportunities for development, engagement, and personal growth through football. We’re particularly excited to work within the local community around the school and build meaningful relationships with young people, families, and grassroots clubs in the area and beyond.

Since its inception, FC Evolution has grown from a grassroots vision into a thriving hub of football excellence, development, and opportunity. Built on a foundation of passion, professionalism, and purpose, our club has become a key part of the football landscape – not just in developing talented players, but in shaping good people.

Our journey began with a mission: to provide a clear development pathway for young footballers through high-quality coaching, holistic support, and competitive opportunities. That mission has never wavered. Today, FC Evolution offers a wide-ranging programme designed to support players at every stage of their journey.

A True Player Pathway – Into Senior Football and Beyond

At FC Evolution, we are proud to offer a complete pathway from grassroots through to senior football. We are now providing our most committed and talented players with opportunities to transition into the adult game, supported by mentorship, strength and conditioning, and a culture of responsibility and ambition.

In line with our commitment to inclusive progression, we are also thrilled to announce the launch of our FC Evolution Women’s Team – creating vital pathways for female players looking to compete at a high level while continuing their development in a supportive, professionally run environment. This is a huge step forward for our club and for the growth of women’s football in the region.

High-Calibre Coaching from the Professional Game

Our coaching team is a standout feature of the FC Evolution experience. All sessions are delivered by highly qualified staff, including UEFA A and B licence holders, many of whom have worked within the English professional game. From EFL academies to elite women's football and grassroots development, our coaches bring a wealth of experience, insight, and mentorship that helps every player thrive.

With expert goalkeeper coaches (including current professional players), a dedicated Coach Educator, and a strong commitment to continuous development, our team ensures that every session is purposeful, progressive, and player-focused.

 

 

 

 

 

Bridge Academy Trust

We are a collegiate and collaborative Trust, where, first and foremost, each school is a place of (high quality) learning, where young people ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE, ASPIRE.

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