Physical Education

Staff: Miss McBride, Mr Cavanagh, Mr Hanna, Mr McCann

 

Aims

At Malone College, the Physical Education department is committed to promoting a lifelong love of sport, physical activity, and healthy living. Through a broad and engaging curriculum, students are encouraged to develop their physical skills, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and resilience in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Our programme provides opportunities for all students to participate in a wide range of activities, helping them to build fitness, improve performance, and gain valuable life skills both on and off the field. Alongside curriculum PE, students can take part in a variety of extra-curricular clubs, competitions, and leadership opportunities, allowing them to further develop their talents and interests.

We strive to inspire every student to achieve their personal best, embrace an active lifestyle, and enjoy the many benefits that sport and physical activity can bring.

The Physical Education Department at Malone College provides students with a wide range of opportunities to participate, compete and achieve. Through practical lessons, academic qualifications and extra-curricular activities, we strive to create a respectful, ambitious, inclusive and supportive environment where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential. We are committed to promoting excellence in all aspects of physical education, inspiring a lifelong commitment to health, wellbeing and physical activity.

Key Stage 3 - Practical

At Key Stage 3, students experience a broad and balanced PE curriculum designed to develop physical skills, confidence, teamwork, and a positive attitude towards physical activity. Throughout the year, students participate in a range of activities including;

• Football and other invasion games
• Badminton
• Fitness and gym-based training
• Indoor climbing
• Basketball
• Spin cycling
• Athletics
• Summer games

This variety allows students to build fundamental movement skills, improve their fitness, and discover activities they enjoy.

Key Stage 4 - Practical

At Key Stage 4, students are offered greater choice and independence within their PE programme. Activities include;

• Football
• Gym-based fitness
• Badminton
• Table tennis
• Basketball
• Walking for health
• Rounders
• Athletics
• Summer games

Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own participation, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and gain the knowledge and confidence needed to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle beyond school. These experiences help all students develop resilience, communication skills, physical competence, and a lifelong appreciation for sport and physical activity.

Key Stage 4 - OCN Lvl 2 Certificate in Sport

The OCN Level 2 Certificate in Sport is an engaging qualification for students with an interest in sport, fitness and physical activity. Assessed through 100% coursework, the course enables students to develop practical skills, fitness knowledge and an understanding of sports performance in a supportive learning environment.

What We Study

• Undertaking Sporting Activities – students develop and analyse sports-specific skills, techniques, performance and gameplay across a range of sporting activities.
• Applied Fitness Testing – students learn how to assess health and fitness, conduct fitness tests, analyse results and explore training methods used to improve performance. 

Skills and Opportunities

Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to:

• Develop practical sporting skills and performance
• Analyse individual and team performance
• Conduct health and fitness assessments
• Explore training methods used by athletes
• Develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills
• Apply classroom learning to practical sporting situations

The qualification provides an excellent foundation for further study at Key Stage 5 and supports progression into careers within sport, fitness, coaching and the wider leisure industry.

Key Stage 4 - BTEC Lvl 1/2 Award in Sport

At Malone College, students can study for the BTEC Level 1/2 Award in Sport, an engaging vocational qualification that combines practical performance with the study of fitness, training and sports science. The course allows students to develop both their sporting ability and their understanding of how the body performs and responds to exercise.

What We Study

Year 11

• Fitness for Sport and Exercise (External Examination)
• The Sports Performer in Action

Year 12

• Practical Performance in Sport
• Applying the Principles of Personal Training

Practical and Enrichment Opportunities

Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to:

• Develop practical performance in a variety of sports
• Plan and deliver coaching activities
• Analyse and evaluate sporting performance
• Design personal fitness and training programmes
• Develop communication, leadership and teamwork skills
• Apply classroom learning to practical sporting situations

The BTEC Sport qualification provides an excellent foundation for further study at Key Stage 5 and supports progression into a range of careers, including coaching, fitness, teaching, sports development and the wider sport and leisure industry.

Key Stage 5 - Practical

Key Stage 5 focuses on promoting lifelong participation in physical activity, supporting students' physical and mental wellbeing, and encouraging active lifestyles beyond school. Opportunities include:

• Walking and fitness for wellbeing 
• Gym and personal fitness programmes 
• Badminton
• Football 
• Basketball 
• Table tennis 
• Pickleball 
• Summer games and recreational activities 

Through all key stages, students are encouraged to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, leadership skills, and a positive attitude towards health and physical activity

Key Stage 5 - OCR Diploma in Sport

At Malone College, students can study the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Sport, a two-year vocational qualification that combines academic study with practical experience. The course develops students' understanding of the sports industry while preparing them for higher education, apprenticeships and careers within sport, fitness, coaching and health-related professions.

Assessment: 100% coursework across seven units.

What We Study

Year 13

• Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
• Current Issues in Sport
• Sports Coaching

Year 14

• Physiology of Fitness
• Fitness Testing and Health Screening
• Sports Injuries, Treatment and Rehabilitation
• Work Experience in the Sports Industry

Practical and Enrichment Opportunities

Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to:

• Plan and deliver coaching sessions to younger students
• Complete a sports-related work experience placement
• Carry out fitness testing and performance analysis
• Develop leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Apply classroom learning to real-life sporting environments

This course provides students with a strong foundation in sports science, coaching, fitness and industry practice. It equips learners with the knowledge, skills and confidence required for progression to university courses, higher-level apprenticeships and careers across the sport, health and leisure sectors.