The department is made up of seven staff, two male PE teachers, three female PE teachers including our own SSCo, our swimming teacher, our onsite sports coach. Our department is developing very quickly and this is recognised throughout Bolton. Since September 2006, we have been part of the sports colleges’ network developing the school through the medium of sports. We are at the heart of new initiatives including funding opportunities, sports college initiatives and we have close links with sports development which introduces us to extra coaching and competition for pupils and staff.
The whole department is involved in the huge extra curricular programme that we offer to our pupils. This is further recognised by the sports mark awards from relevant governing bodies.
The department boasts excellent facilities. Our 25m swimming pool is used extensively by pupils, primary schools and local community groups. The sports hall is set out for badminton, basketball, netball, football, cricket and tennis. We also have a gymnasium, 2 squash courts and a well equipped fitness room. Successful applications for new funding have helped develop a new dance studio and extensive professionally drained pitches, two fitness suites and a boxing gym. As part of the Sports College capital build we have a 50mx40m Astroturf that is also used by the community.
Our GCSE PE course is compulsory at KS4 and results continue to improve year after year. Starting in September 2008 we will be running BTEC sport and BTEC dance as an option subject. We run coaching courses and residentials that help our pupils achieve their full potential and increase confidence and skills helping to raise GCSE grades and give our pupils a different and exciting new experience.
Our department has developed into a very positive environment for all pupils and staff.
The PE programme of study at Ladybridge High enables the PLTS to form an integral part of teaching and learning. Below are ways in which our personalised learning curriculum map will develop the whole child and contribute to the new 2008 curriculum.
Pupils are challenged artistically, creatively and competitively. During the lessons pupils will develop their own understanding of how to complete tasks and improve on their performance to best of their ability for themselves and the team.
PE requires individuals, groups and teams to use their imagination to arrive at their own solutions to solving tasks and performing in different activities. They need to come up with their own ideas, selecting and applying the most appropriate in order to be effective and successful. Pupils are the most creative of us all and thrive in situations that challenge them to respond to what is happening and how to change it for the better.
Pupils will develop the skills of working within a team. To be effective and successful when working together, pupils will to learn to take account of each other’s strengths and weaknesses and to take responsibility for the part they play in the group’s or team’s performance. Pupils will learn to listen to and act on each other’s suggestions, reach agreement on ways forward and take collective responsibility for their performances, successes and failures.
Pupils will develop their understanding of a healthy lifestyle and take responsibility for their physical wellbeing, selecting which activities they enjoy and wish to get involved in. Personalised learning and enrichment activities during and after school will allow pupils to have a range of choices and Physical Education will educate them to make the best decisions to suit their needs.
Pupils will reach the government requirement of time spent taking part in organised activities and will have the opportunity to complete the 5 hour offer agenda. Becoming competent in PE naturally requires the active participation and engagement of pupils. The curriculum we offer is personalised and students have a voice in the activities chosen. The competence and confidence pupils develop can help them to play a full part in the sporting life of the school and to engage in their chosen activities in the wider community..
Pupils will become reflective and understand their level of work and the areas to improve. In order to improve, pupils need to be able to evaluate their performances and those of others. Analysing performance is part and parcel of the Physical Education lessons where pupils can become the coach and lead others to improve. Pupils can gain leadership qualifications and develop Assessment for Learning to improve their overall attainment.
Jim Dickson: Directors of standards in Physical Education and well being; specialism lead in standards across the school;
Leanne Mckeon: assistant director of standards in Physical Education and Well Being; teacher in charge of girls PE; teacher in charge of BTEC Dance; teacher in charge of GCSE Physical Education
Geddy Parkinson: teacher of Physical Education, teacher in charge of boys PE; teacher in charge of ICT within the specialism; whole school G&T co-ordinator
Paula Doxey: teacher of Physical Education; Director of achievement for Year 8
Maryon O’Donnell: teacher of Physical Education; SSCo; specialism lead in achievement across the school;
Faye Hall: School Swimming co-ordinator involving teaching, extra curricular and all related qualifications; teacher of enrichment activities in PE
Marc Height: School Sports Coach; responsible for developing the teaching and learning of all staff in the feeder primaries; coaches pupils and assists teaching in the specialism; teacher of enrichment activities.