Physical Education

Key Stage 2

At Burlington House School, KS2 PE is all about fun, adventure, and trying new things! Our pupils get to explore a wide variety of sports and activities, discovering the joy of movement while building skills that last a lifetime. Every game, challenge, and playful activity is designed to keep them active, happy, and healthy.

Structure of Physical Education Lessons

Our lessons are planned in close collaboration with the on-site Occupational Therapy team, ensuring that the individual needs of every pupil are met. Where possible, we take activities to specialised venues to provide unique experiences and extend learning beyond the classroom.

All pupils participate in three hours of PE each week, giving them the chance to master Fundamental Movement Skills and enhance their Components of Fitness through both individual challenges and team-based games. Fun, challenge, and personal achievement are at the heart of every session.

Half-Termly Curriculum

Pupils also take part in a weekly Discover Play session, where they explore new games and sports and learn through their environment. These sessions foster resilience, creativity, and self-regulation, helping pupils connect mind and body while enjoying movement in a safe, positive, and engaging way.

Key Stage 3

At Burlington House Senior School, Key Stage 3 PE is designed to challenge pupils, broaden their sporting experiences, and develop the confidence to lead an active lifestyle. Building on the skills learned in Key Stage 2, pupils explore a wider variety of sports, refine movement techniques, and begin to apply strategic thinking in team and individual activities.

Structure of Physical Education Lessons

Lessons are carefully planned in collaboration with the on-site Occupational Therapy team to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring everyone can progress at their own pace. Activities take place both on-site and at specialised offsite venues, giving pupils the opportunity to experience sports in authentic and stimulating environments.

Pupils engage in three hours of PE each week. Two of these hours are dedicated to developing independence in learning and performance. These sessions are typically high-energy, providing pupils with opportunities to raise their heart rate and develop their physical fitness. The focus is on learning the rules of sports, understanding tactics and applying strategies, while continuing to develop physical skills and confidence.

Sessions combine individual challenges, small-group skill development and full-team games. This approach encourages pupils to take greater ownership of their learning, collaborate with peers, and develop their decision-making, communication and leadership skills.

The third hour of Core PE is dedicated to wellbeing through Mindful Movement. These sessions include gentle and calming activities such as ‘walk and talk’ sessions in the local park, yoga, meditation and other movement-based activities. The programme has been developed in collaboration with the Therapy Team to support pupils with regulation and emotional wellbeing, while providing a positive break from the demands of academic lessons.

Mindful Movement gives pupils the opportunity to connect their mind and body, developing positive strategies that can support both physical and emotional regulation.

Half-Termly Curriculum

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4 Physical Education makes up three hours of each pupil’s weekly timetable. The curriculum is designed to inspire independent motivation to exercise, often taking advantage of offsite facilities to provide new and exciting experiences.

Our program also encourages pupils to develop social skills and work collaboratively outside the traditional classroom environment while completing their GCSE studies.

Termly Curriculum:

• Autumn Term: Large ball games, striking & fielding, fitness, and para sports

• Spring & Summer Terms: Gym sessions with health club access and Bouldering

Lessons are carefully planned alongside the Occupational Therapy team to support pupils in developing coordination and movement skills tailored to their needs.

All pupils also take part in a wellbeing-focused session, Mindful Movement, which includes gentle activities such as ‘walk and talk’ in the local park, yoga, meditation, and other calming exercises. This session helps pupils connect mind and body, promoting positive strategies for both physical and mental regulation.

BTEC PE – Sport & Coaching Principles

Pupils are able to choose Physical Education as a BTEC option in Year 10.

The BTEC PE WJEC Specification is divided into 3 components which are assessed internally and externally:

• Unit 1: Fitness For Sport (Exam) Externally assessed (40%)
•  Unit 2: Improving Sporting Performance (Coursework) – Internally assessed (25%)
• Unit 3: Coaching Principles (Written Plan & Filmed Practical) –  Internally assessed (35%)

Due to the nature of the WJEC Sport and Coaching Principles Level 1/2 syllabus being 70% theory-based, the four weekly lessons will primarily focus on developing content knowledge and preparing pupils for assessment. This ensures learners build a strong understanding of the key concepts such as the skills and responsibilities of a coach, the coaching process, and reviewing performance.

However, to ensure engagement and practical application, theory content will be regularly reinforced through practical demonstrations, scenario-based tasks, and short applied coaching activities. This blended approach allows pupils to not only recall theoretical knowledge but also apply it in realistic sporting situations, supporting both AO1 (knowledge/recall) and AO2 (application) demands of the course.

The course is particularly suitable for pupils who:

• Have a strong interest in sport, fitness, and physical activity.

• Enjoy linking theory to practice (e.g., analysing how coaching skills work in different sports).

• Can work independently and take responsibility for their own learning, especially when revising theoretical content.

• Are considering progression into BTEC Sport, A-Level PE, or vocational pathways in sport and coaching.

Termly Curriculum:

Y10 

Autumn Term: Unit 3 – Coaching Principles.

Spring & Summer Term: Unit 2 – Improving Sporting Performance

Y11 

Autumn – Summer Term: Unit 1 – Fitness for Sport 

By structuring the lessons with a clear focus on theory while embedding practical examples, pupils will be well prepared to succeed in both the internally assessed assignments and the externally assessed exam paper, reflecting the demands of the WJEC specification.