Curriculum intent
Physical education at Retford Oaks Academy promotes a lifelong commitment to physical activity, health and wellbeing. We aim to develop confident, resilient and respectful individuals who understand the importance of an active lifestyle and who can perform effectively both individually and as part of a team.
Through a broad and inclusive curriculum, students experience a wide range of sports and physical activities. Alongside developing practical skills, students build teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, confidence and fitness, while learning the value of perseverance and healthy competition.
Key stage 3: years 7–9
At key stage 3, students take part in a varied and engaging PE curriculum designed to develop physical competence, tactical understanding and personal development. The curriculum promotes enjoyment of sport while building fundamental skills across a range of activities.
Students participate in sports such as football, rugby, netball, trampolining, badminton, handball, cricket, athletics and fitness-based activities. These experiences help students develop core skills such as coordination, agility, strength and endurance, while also encouraging teamwork, communication and sportsmanship.
Across all year groups, students are encouraged to build confidence, improve fitness and develop a positive attitude towards physical activity. The curriculum is designed to ensure that all students can succeed, regardless of starting point or ability.
Key stage 4: GCSE and core PE
At key stage 4, students continue to engage in physical education in different ways, supporting both performance and wellbeing.
All students take part in core PE, which provides an opportunity to enjoy regular physical activity and maintain fitness alongside their academic studies. Lessons are designed to promote enjoyment, participation and a healthy lifestyle, with students choosing from a range of activities.
Students may also opt to study GCSE sport studies, which provides a more academic approach to sport and physical activity.
This course helps students to understand the impact of sport in society, while also developing practical performance skills across different sports. Students explore topics such as sports psychology, fitness, outdoor and adventurous activities, and the role of sport in wider society. The course also supports the development of key skills such as analysis, evaluation and communication, and provides a strong foundation for further study.
Key stage 5: A level / level 3 sport
At key stage 5, students can study BTEC sport, available as both a diploma and an extended certificate.
The course is delivered over a combination of taught and practical lessons, encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning. Students are provided with specialist kit to ensure full participation in all practical elements, and benefit from a variety of teaching styles delivered by the physical education faculty.
The course covers a wide range of units linked to sport, including areas such as physiology, psychology and sociology. It is designed to reflect the real-world sport industry, helping students to understand how different disciplines contribute to performance and participation.
Students are also encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities, which further enhance their skills, confidence and experience. The course provides a strong pathway into higher education, apprenticeships or careers within the sport and fitness industry.
Skills and personal development
Through physical education, students develop a wide range of transferable skills that support both academic success and lifelong wellbeing. These include:
- teamwork and communication
- leadership and cooperation
- resilience and determination
- physical fitness and coordination
- confidence and self-discipline
Students learn the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and developing positive habits for physical and mental wellbeing.
Enrichment opportunities
Students are given opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom through extracurricular sport, inter-school competitions, clubs and leadership programmes. These experiences help to develop confidence, sporting ability and a sense of belonging within the wider school community.
