The PE curriculum has undergone many changes in recent years with the introduction of both A Level and GCSE Physical Education. We have a broad programme that aims to encourage all pupils to take a keen and active interest in their own well being through a wide range of enjoyable, progressive and well-balanced activities. It enables pupils to gain self-confidence and ensures that all have an equal opportunity to participate in sport regardless of ability. Pupils participate in activities such as swimming, fitness testing, volleyball, basketball, badminton and gymnastics to help them understand about individual sporting capabilities and limitations, as well as to encourage them to foster a positive attitude towards exercise, fair play and team spirit.

The compulsory PE programme for the Third Form has been maintained with pupils being assessed in a number of activities, which broadly follow the National Curriculum programme. The pupils take part in swimming and gymnastics as core activities as well as undergoing regular assessments of their fitness levels during a health-related exercise programme. They also have the opportunity to play tennis and to learn about the principles of game play in a variety of different scenarios.

It has been a positive year for the exam year groups in the department with pupils gaining some excellent results. The number of pupils choosing to study the GCSE PE course remains high with 44 pupils sitting examinations this year. The course suits the College pupils who are strong in practical elements and 43% of pupils achieved an A* or A grade in the subject. This compares very favourably with the independent school average of 36% A* or A grade. Of the College pupils taking the GCSE this year five achieved full marks. These were Tom Gossage, Henry Lait, Finton Lennon, Ben Ringrose and Olivia Schofield.

In the Sixth Form there were significant gains made in A Level results with 54% of the A2 pupils achieving A or B grades. Once again this compares well with the independent school average of 50% A or B grades. Special mention must go to Tom Barton who achieved an A* in PE this year. There were also significant improvements in the AS results from 2010 with two thirds of pupils achieving either an A or a B grade.

Matt Coley, Head of PE