Core Physical Education curriculum by year
The summaries below set out the main areas of learning in each year, the knowledge and skills pupils will develop, and the intended curriculum end points. They also show how learning builds progressively and prepares pupils to remain physically active throughout life.
Year 7
Building Strong Foundations
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Participate in a broad range of physical activities.
- Develop coordination, balance, agility and control.
- Apply fundamental movement skills within different activities.
- Understand and follow basic rules.
- Use introductory tactics and strategies.
- Communicate and work effectively as part of a team.
- Understand the importance of warming up and cooling down.
- Exercise safely and responsibly.
- Reflect on their performance and identify simple improvements.
How this builds on previous learning
Year 7 builds on pupils’ primary experiences of physical activity while establishing consistent expectations, secure movement foundations and safe working practices.
How this prepares pupils for future learning
The year prepares pupils to apply their skills in more challenging situations and develop greater tactical understanding in Year 8.
Year 8
Developing Skills and Understanding
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Refine physical techniques with increasing accuracy and control.
- Apply skills under greater pressure.
- Use increasingly complex tactics in games and activities.
- Make informed decisions during performance.
- Analyse their own performance and the performance of others.
- Give and respond to constructive feedback.
- Understand the roles of muscles and joints in movement.
- Understand how the cardiovascular system responds to exercise.
- Explain how physical activity affects the body.
- Work collaboratively within increasingly demanding situations.
How this builds on previous learning
Year 8 develops the fundamental movement skills, rules, tactics and safe participation established in Year 7.
How this prepares pupils for future learning
The year prepares pupils to take greater responsibility for leadership, performance analysis and fitness development in Year 9.
Year 9
Applying Knowledge and Leading Others
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Apply physical skills and tactical knowledge in different activities.
- Perform with increasing consistency and independence.
- Lead safe and purposeful warm-ups.
- Officiate games and apply rules fairly.
- Give constructive feedback to others.
- Understand important components of fitness.
- Explore different methods of training.
- Explain how training can improve performance.
- Analyse strengths and areas for improvement.
- Demonstrate responsibility, organisation and leadership.
How this builds on previous learning
Year 9 brings together pupils’ practical skills, tactical understanding, physical knowledge and ability to evaluate performance.
How this prepares pupils for future learning
The year prepares pupils for more personalised Core PE pathways and provides the practical and theoretical foundations for examination Physical Education.
Year 10
Personalised Pathways and Lifelong Fitness
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Participate in activities matched to their interests and goals.
- Maintain and improve personal fitness.
- Select appropriate methods of training.
- Understand how to exercise safely and effectively.
- Set meaningful personal targets.
- Monitor progress towards agreed goals.
- Understand the physical benefits of regular activity.
- Explore the social and mental benefits of participation.
- Take increasing responsibility for personal health and fitness.
- Develop a positive attitude towards lifelong physical activity.
How this builds on previous learning
Year 10 applies the fitness, leadership and performance knowledge developed at Key Stage 3 to more personalised physical-activity choices.
How this prepares pupils for future learning
The year prepares pupils to plan independently for continued participation and an active lifestyle beyond school.
Year 11
Preparing for an Active Future
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Consolidate and refine physical skills.
- Participate confidently in chosen activities.
- Demonstrate teamwork, resilience and leadership.
- Reflect on progress across the Core PE curriculum.
- Make informed choices about future physical activity.
- Understand how to access appropriate local opportunities and facilities.
- Develop a personal approach to maintaining fitness.
- Recognise the importance of continued physical activity.
- Plan for a healthy and active life beyond school.
How this builds on previous learning
Year 11 brings together pupils’ physical competence, fitness knowledge, leadership, collaboration and understanding of health and wellbeing.
How this prepares pupils for future learning
The year ensures pupils leave Core PE with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make physical activity a continuing part of their lives.
GCSE Physical Education
Year 10: Building the Scientific Foundations
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Understand the structure and function of the skeletal system.
- Understand how the muscular system produces movement.
- Explain how the cardiovascular system responds to exercise.
- Explain how the respiratory system supports physical activity.
- Understand how body systems work together during performance.
- Identify and apply components of fitness.
- Understand different methods of training.
- Apply the principles of training.
- Design and evaluate fitness programmes.
- Connect theoretical knowledge to practical performance.
- Develop performance across selected sports.
How this builds on previous learning
Year 10 develops the practical, fitness and body-system knowledge introduced through Core PE.
How this prepares pupils for future learning
The year establishes the anatomical, physiological and training knowledge needed for movement analysis, psychology and socio-cultural study in Year 11.
Year 11: Applying and Extending Knowledge
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Analyse movement using levers, planes and axes.
- Understand how biomechanical principles influence performance.
- Explore factors affecting motivation.
- Understand the purpose of goal setting.
- Examine how mental preparation affects performance.
- Understand socio-cultural influences on participation.
- Examine the influence of media and sponsorship.
- Understand the relationship between health, fitness and wellbeing.
- Explain the consequences of sedentary lifestyles.
- Understand the importance of a balanced diet.
- Analyse and evaluate practical performance.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to sporting situations.
How this builds on previous learning
Year 11 applies the scientific and practical foundations developed in Year 10 to more complex movement, psychological and socio-cultural contexts.
How this prepares pupils for future learning
The course prepares pupils for A-Level Physical Education, vocational sport qualifications and further study related to sport, health and fitness.
GCSE Assessment
Pupils complete written examinations alongside practical assessment in three sports and a written analysis and evaluation of performance.
Cambridge National in Sport Studies
Contemporary Issues in Sport
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Understand barriers that affect participation in sport.
- Explore how participation can be increased.
- Understand the role of national governing bodies.
- Examine how media influences sport.
- Consider questions of fairness, inclusion and ethics.
- Apply knowledge to contemporary sporting issues.
Developing Sports Skills
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Develop performance in individual and team activities.
- Apply rules accurately.
- Use appropriate techniques and tactics.
- Analyse their own performance.
- Respond to feedback.
- Develop confidence, resilience and teamwork.
Sports Leadership
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Understand the qualities of an effective sports leader.
- Plan safe and purposeful activity sessions.
- Communicate instructions clearly.
- Organise people, space and equipment.
- Lead activities for an identified group.
- Review and evaluate the effectiveness of their leadership.
Working in the Sports Industry
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Explore different careers within the sports industry.
- Understand the qualifications required for different roles.
- Identify the personal and professional skills employers value.
- Consider appropriate progression routes.
- Make informed decisions about future study and employment.
How the course builds on previous learning
The course applies knowledge and skills developed through Core PE to practical performance, leadership and contemporary sporting issues.
How the course prepares pupils for future learning
It supports progression to A-Level Physical Education, vocational sport qualifications, apprenticeships and careers in coaching, fitness, teaching and sports development.
A-Level Physical Education
Physiological Factors Affecting Performance
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Develop detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
- Explain how body systems support movement and performance.
- Understand exercise physiology.
- Explore energy systems and their contribution to activity.
- Analyse different methods of training.
- Understand recovery strategies.
- Apply biomechanical principles to sporting movement.
- Analyse motion, force and levers.
- Use scientific knowledge to evaluate performance.
Psychological Factors Affecting Performance
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Understand theories of motivation.
- Explore the relationship between arousal and performance.
- Examine the effects of anxiety.
- Understand different approaches to personality.
- Explore group dynamics.
- Analyse different leadership styles.
- Apply goal-setting principles.
- Understand psychological preparation.
- Evaluate strategies for managing pressure and improving focus.
Socio-Cultural Issues in Physical Activity and Sport
What pupils will know and be able to do
- Understand the historical development of sport.
- Examine how modern sport reflects social and cultural values.
- Explore how class, gender, ethnicity, disability and religion influence participation.
- Understand the impact of commercialisation.
- Analyse the relationship between sport and media.
- Explore ethics and contemporary sporting issues.
- Evaluate the impact of technology on sport.
- Construct balanced and evidence-informed arguments.
How A-Level builds on previous learning
A-Level develops GCSE and Core PE knowledge through a more detailed study of physiology, biomechanics, psychology and socio-cultural issues.
How A-Level prepares pupils for future learning
The course prepares pupils for higher education, apprenticeships and careers including sport science, physiotherapy, coaching, teaching, fitness training, sports journalism, events management and policy development.
