Physical Education *
Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic games, once said, “for each individual, sport is a possible source for inner improvement.”
Physical Education at Harris Academy Ockendon focuses on developing each and every student’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Physical exercise has many benefits to our health that are not just physical; it helps us relieve stress and anxiety. Young people today are arguably under more pressure than ever, so it is vital for them to have an outlet for this stress. This cathartic approach will improve self-discipline, integration into social circles and develop confidence, as well as contribute to the body-mind dualism we are striving to achieve.
Students will tackle complex and demanding physical activities throughout their journey, all of which help towards developing their personal fitness, promote a healthy active lifestyle and an appreciation of competitive sport for life. To achieve this, students will draw upon and develop a variety of tactics and strategies to overcome opponents in team and individual sports. They will develop their technique and improve their performance in other competitive sports that may not normally be considered traditional PE activities or stereotypical gender specific sports.
Students will experience situations which push them to draw on intellectual and physical challenges and which encourage them to work in a team, building on trust and developing skills to solve problems, either individually or as a group; all of these are skills that they will draw upon later in life. Looking to the extended curriculum, students will be given the theory knowledge to understand the reasons why people take part in sport and the benefits this has on the individual.
Linked to this, students will be able to understand the factors that influence life choices, both positive and negative, and how the anatomy of the body assists sporting performance. Through all of this, the curriculum will ensure students are well equipped for any future studies or careers within sport, whether it be studying a Sports Science degree at university or working as a Sports Coach within the Sport and Leisure Industry.