Physical Education
Our academy is proud to provide your child with an exceptional Physical Education programme.
Our outstanding PE curriculum is delivered both in school and at the prestigious King’s College Sports Ground – an excellent facility which offers the ideal environment for students to develop their physical abilities and embrace the lifelong benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.
Year 7 – a transformative PE journey begins
Whether students are aspiring athletes or simply discovering the joy of movement, Year 7 is the beginning of an exciting and transformative journey – one that builds confidence, character, and a lifelong appreciation for health and well-being.
In Year 7, students are introduced to a broad and engaging PE curriculum that supports both personal growth and athletic development. As well as developing their skills by taking part in a variety of sports, they will learn to understand and apply tactics, as well as analysing performance to support their improvement.
They will working collaboratively with teammates – developing skills in leadership and teamwork – and learn about respect in competitive settings as well as fostering self-esteem, resilience, and motivation through positive participation and effort.
Throughout the year, students will take part in a wide range of sports, including Basketball, Football, Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, American Flag Football, Athletics, Handball, Softball, Table Tennis, and Tchoukball, so that every student has the opportunity to discover sports they enjoy and thrive in. In addition to timetabled lessons, we offer an extensive extracurricular programme designed to further inspire students and cultivate a genuine passion for sport.
Through their PE journey, students work towards achieving our Golden Threads – the core values we aim for every pupil to embody by the time they leave us: a commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle; knowledge of a range of sports; and the growth of independence and leadership skills.
"Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does." Nelson Mandela
Years 8-13 – building independence and leadership
In Years 8 and 9, our PE curriculum is designed to build on the strong foundations established in Year 7, with a greater focus on mastery, independence, and leadership. Our students continue to benefit from our outstanding sports facilities at the King’s College Sports Ground, where they are encouraged to refine their skills, explore new challenges, and take increasing ownership of their learning. As students’ progress through Years 8 and 9, they revisit and deepen their understanding of a wide range of sports. Lessons are designed to develop consistency, control, and confidence across these disciplines.
A key aim of our PE programme in Year 9 is to help students become more independent learners and confident leaders. Pupils are encouraged to lead warm-ups, take responsibility for team roles, support peers, and engage in activities that promote initiative and decision-making. These experiences help students grow not only as athletes but also as positive contributors to the school community.
"Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity." John F. Kennedy
In Year 10, students commence the theoretical component of Physical Education through the BTEC Sport course, undertaking controlled assessments that focus on key aspects of sports participation and performance. The first assessments centres on preparing individuals to engage in sport and physical activity, while the second emphasises strategies for improving the performance of others. These assessments provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how to access sporting opportunities beyond their time at Harris Boys, the potential barriers they may encounter, and, crucially, the strategies to overcome them. Additionally, students explore methods for enhancing their personal fitness, develop their physical literacy, and gain insights into the roles and responsibilities of various sports officials. This foundational knowledge fosters a deeper appreciation for equipping students with transferable skills that extend beyond athletic performance.
In Year 11, pupils undertake the examination unit, which serves to expand their understanding of the significance of fitness development. This includes an in-depth analysis of fitness testing protocols, various training methodologies tailored to different components of fitness, and an evaluation of the long-term physiological adaptations resulting from sustained physical training. By examining these principles, students acquire the expertise necessary to make informed decisions regarding their health and athletic progression.
In Years 12 and 13, those students who follow the two-year Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Sport course will study a range of topics that develop their knowledge of the sports industry. They will learn about the body’s response to exercise, how sport is organised and promoted, and how to analyse and improve performance. The course also includes practical experience in coaching, leadership, and planning sports events, helping pupils build key skills such as communication, teamwork, and organisation.
"Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose – it teaches you about life." Billie Jean King
