Physical Education

The Government believes that all schools should aim to provide children with at least two hours of physical activity a week. During key stage 3, pupils become more expert in their skills and techniques, and learn how to apply them in different activities. They begin to identify the types of activity they prefer to be involved with, and to take a variety of roles, such as leader or official.

Children are taught knowledge, skills and understanding through four areas of activity:

Games (Compulsory)

• fielding or striking games (such as cricket and softball)
• invasion games (such as basketball and water polo)
• net or wall games (such as badminton and tennis)

Schools also teach three of the activities from this list, at least one of which must be dance or gymnastics:

Dance

Creating and performing dances in a range of styles from different cultures and times.

Gymnastics

Creating and performing patterns of movement in different gymnastic styles, on the floor and using apparatus.

Athletics

• running (long and short distances and hurdling)
• jumping (height and distance)
• throwing (shot, javelin, discus)

Outdoor and Adventurous Activities

• canoeing
• climbing
• orienteering
• sailing
• walking

Swimming and Water Safety

• front crawl
• back crawl
• breaststroke
• personal survival skills
• life-saving skills