We believe that all students should have the opportunity to be physically active. Physical education can challenge and inspire. It can lead to life changes in terms of improved health, well-being, learning achievements and the development of positive relationships. At The Dorcan Academy the Physical Education Department aims to educate minds, develop health, and promote positive attitudes towards lifelong physical activity. Through PE and Sport our students will learn to develop the important qualities of discipline, resilience, communication, leadership, teamwork, and ambition, leading to improved concentration, attitude, sporting, and academic success.
Our PE curriculum aims to develop the confidence to participate in a broad range of physical activities, to be able to be physically active for sustained periods of time, to engage in competitive sports and activities and most importantly to lead healthy, active lives. Students should develop the confidence and interest to get involved in exercise, sports, and activities beyond school and to have a lifelong positive attitude towards physical activity, health, and well-being. We want students to become healthy, independent, responsible and self-disciplined members of society.
In Sports Studies last year, 66.7% of students achieved grades L2D* to L2M; and 94.9% achieved grades L2D* to L2P.
Physical Education is not just about practical skills and physical attributes. At Dorcan we assess students using a ‘Head, Heart, Hands’ model in Key Stage 3. This ensures that elements such as motivation, effort and teamwork are developed through the ‘Heart’ component and that knowledge, understanding of rules and communication are focused on through the ‘Head’ section. These are equally weighted to provide an inclusive and rounded assessment strategy.
All students in Key Stage 4 experience a range of physical activities and sports and are assessed on their attitude and effort during their core PE lessons.
At Key Stage 4, students have the option to study the OCR National in Sports Studies. This is a Level 2 qualification, equivalent to a GCSE. As a modular course which covers Sport in the Media, Leadership, Practical Performance and Contemporary Issues in Sport, students are assessed via coursework, practical performance and a written exam.
Mrs Wendy Craig – Head of PE
Mrs Lucia Barton – Teacher of PE, Head of Falcon house, Skills for Life (PHSE) Lead
Mr Adam Shorey – Teacher of PE, Head of Eagle house
Miss Amy Trigg – Teacher of PE, Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator
Mr Dan Waldron – Teacher of PE
Students may choose Sports Studies as an option at GCSE and will receive 5 lessons a fortnight.
The Dorcan Academy PE Faculty offers a wealth of enrichment opportunities which are available to all students throughout their time at Dorcan. A wide range of extra-curricular clubs are available in different terms and accessible to all. We engage fully in the Swindon Schools’ sports fixture calendar as well as offering inter-House and tutor activities throughout the school year. We pride ourselves on the opportunities that we offer to develop life skills and a lifelong love of sport. Our annual Olympic sports day encompasses Olympic and sporting values and is a day for celebration and unity. We also offer a year 7 camping trip, year 9 outdoor pursuits trip to Plas Pencelli, Duke of Edinburgh and National Sports Leadership Award.
BBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/znyb4wx
BT Sports: https://www.bt.com/sport/news
