PE – Key Stage 3 Curriculum Plan

Year 7

Overview / Introduction

Focus: The first year of KS3 emphasizes building foundational physical skills across a variety of sports and activities. The primary aim is to expose students to a range of movement patterns, techniques, and motor skills essential for physical literacy. 

Rationale: At this stage, students have varied backgrounds in physical activity, so a focus on skill acquisition ensures a level playing field, enabling all students to build the essential motor and coordination skills. This also supports students’ confidence and enjoyment in physical activity as they begin to master basic techniques. The range of sports and activities helps students discover personal interests and strengths, encouraging intrinsic motivation. 

Half Term 1

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Fundamental Skills 
  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball/ Basketball 
  • Dance 
  • Gymnastics  

Key Vocabulary

• Control – The ability to move your body or an object smoothly and accurately. 
• Tackle – A safe action used to stop an opponent from moving or keeping the ball (rules depend on the sport). 
• Footwork – The way you use and position your feet to move efficiently, quickly and safely. 
• Balance – Keeping your body stable whether you are still or moving. 
• Grip – How you hold equipment (e.g., racket, bat, ball) to use it effectively. 
• Form – The correct technique or body shape when performing a skill or movement. 
• Positioning – Being in the best place on the pitch or court to help your team or perform a skill. 
• Communication – Sharing information with teammates using speech, signals or body language to work together. 
• Fundamental Skills – Basic movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching that support more complex actions. 
• Physical Fitness – How well your body can cope with physical activity, including strength, endurance, flexibility and speed. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 2

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Fundamental Skills 
  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball/ Basketball 
  • Dance 
  • Gymnastics 

Key Vocabulary

• Control – The ability to move your body or an object smoothly and accurately. 
• Tackle – A safe action used to stop an opponent from moving or keeping the ball (rules depend on the sport). 
• Footwork – The way you use and position your feet to move efficiently, quickly and safely. 
• Balance – Keeping your body stable whether you are still or moving. 
• Grip – How you hold equipment (e.g., racket, bat, ball) to use it effectively. 
• Form – The correct technique or body shape when performing a skill or movement. 
• Positioning – Being in the best place on the pitch or court to help your team or perform a skill. 
• Communication – Sharing information with teammates using speech, signals or body language to work together. 
• Fundamental Skills – Basic movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching that support more complex actions. 
• Physical Fitness – How well your body can cope with physical activity, including strength, endurance, flexibility and speed. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 3

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Fundamental Skills 
  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball/ Basketball 
  • Dance 
  • Gymnastics 

Key Vocabulary

• Control – The ability to move your body or an object smoothly and accurately. 
• Tackle – A safe action used to stop an opponent from moving or keeping the ball (rules depend on the sport). 
• Footwork – The way you use and position your feet to move efficiently, quickly and safely. 
• Balance – Keeping your body stable whether you are still or moving. 
• Grip – How you hold equipment (e.g., racket, bat, ball) to use it effectively. 
• Form – The correct technique or body shape when performing a skill or movement. 
• Positioning – Being in the best place on the pitch or court to help your team or perform a skill. 
• Communication – Sharing information with teammates using speech, signals or body language to work together. 
• Fundamental Skills – Basic movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching that support more complex actions. 
• Physical Fitness – How well your body can cope with physical activity, including strength, endurance, flexibility and speed. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 4

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Fundamental Skills 
  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball/ Basketball 
  • Dance 
  • Gymnastics 

Key Vocabulary

• Control – The ability to move your body or an object smoothly and accurately. 
• Tackle – A safe action used to stop an opponent from moving or keeping the ball (rules depend on the sport). 
• Footwork – The way you use and position your feet to move efficiently, quickly and safely. 
• Balance – Keeping your body stable whether you are still or moving. 
• Grip – How you hold equipment (e.g., racket, bat, ball) to use it effectively. 
• Form – The correct technique or body shape when performing a skill or movement. 
• Positioning – Being in the best place on the pitch or court to help your team or perform a skill. 
• Communication – Sharing information with teammates using speech, signals or body language to work together. 
• Fundamental Skills – Basic movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching that support more complex actions. 
• Physical Fitness – How well your body can cope with physical activity, including strength, endurance, flexibility and speed. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 5

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the summer term: – 

  • Athletics 
  • Tennis 
  • Cricket 
  • Rounders  

Key Vocabulary

• Control – Moving your body or an object smoothly, accurately and with purpose. 

• Footwork – The way you place and move your feet to stay balanced, change direction or perform a skill effectively. 

• Balance – Keeping your body stable when still or moving. 

• Grip – How you correctly hold equipment (e.g., racket, bat, stick) for best technique and safety. 

• Form – The correct technique or body shape when performing a movement or skill. 

• Positioning – Placing yourself in the best area to defend, attack or support your team. 

• Communication – Using voice, signals or body language to share information with teammates. 

• Fundamental Skills – Basic movement skills (running, jumping, throwing, catching, balancing) that support all sports. 

• Physical Fitness – How well your body can perform physical activity, including strength, flexibility, speed and endurance. 

• Forehand and Backhand – Two ways of hitting a ball with a racket; forehand on your palm side, backhand on the opposite side. 

• Bowling and Batting – In striking/fielding games: bowling is delivering the ball towards the batter; batting is hitting the ball to score runs or points. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 6

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the summer term: – 

  • Athletics 
  • Tennis 
  • Cricket 
  • Rounders  

Key Vocabulary

• Control – Moving your body or an object smoothly, accurately and with purpose. 

• Footwork – The way you place and move your feet to stay balanced, change direction or perform a skill effectively. 

• Balance – Keeping your body stable when still or moving. 

• Grip – How you correctly hold equipment (e.g., racket, bat, stick) for best technique and safety. 

• Form – The correct technique or body shape when performing a movement or skill. 

• Positioning – Placing yourself in the best area to defend, attack or support your team. 

• Communication – Using voice, signals or body language to share information with teammates. 

• Fundamental Skills – Basic movement skills (running, jumping, throwing, catching, balancing) that support all sports. 

• Physical Fitness – How well your body can perform physical activity, including strength, flexibility, speed and endurance. 

• Forehand and Backhand – Two ways of hitting a ball with a racket; forehand on your palm side, backhand on the opposite side. 

• Bowling and Batting – In striking/fielding games: bowling is delivering the ball towards the batter; batting is hitting the ball to score runs or points. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Year 8

Overview / Introduction

Focus: As students move into Year 8, the curriculum shifts to emphasize tactical awareness and the application of strategies in game settings. This phase is critical for building an understanding of game dynamics and decision-making processes, which are essential for competitive and cooperative play. 

Rationale: By Year 8, students are generally ready to advance beyond basic skills and engage in more complex, context-based learning. Developing tactical awareness promotes higher-order thinking and teamwork skills as students learn to analyze scenarios, make strategic decisions, and collaborate effectively with peers. These abilities are applicable across a range of sports and activities and build on the motor skills acquired in Year 7, enhancing students’ engagement and sense of achievement. 

Half Term 1

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball/ Basketball 
  • Dance 
  • Badminton 
  • Gymnastics 

Key Vocabulary

• Space – Finding or creating areas on the pitch or court where you can move, pass or attack effectively. 

• Possession – Keeping control of the ball within your team to build an attack or maintain advantage. 

• Routine – A planned sequence of movements performed in a set order (e.g., in gymnastics or dance). 

• Defensive Positioning – Placing yourself correctly to protect your goal, limit opponents’ options, or block attacks. 

• Offensive Strategies – Planned actions used to create scoring opportunities, such as moving into space or making supportive passes. 

• Shot Selection – Choosing the best type of shot based on the situation, pressure and your position. 

• Serve – The action that starts play in sports like tennis, badminton or volleyball. 

• Tactics – Decisions and actions used during a game to gain an advantage over opponents. 

• Goal Setting – Creating realistic targets to improve performance, motivation and progress. 

• Pacing – Controlling your speed and effort so you can sustain performance throughout an activity. 

• Choreography – Planning and arranging movements to create a structured dance or performance. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 2

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball/ Basketball 
  • Dance 
  • Badminton 
  • Gymnastics 

Key Vocabulary

• Space – Finding or creating areas on the pitch or court where you can move, pass or attack effectively. 

• Possession – Keeping control of the ball within your team to build an attack or maintain advantage. 

• Routine – A planned sequence of movements performed in a set order (e.g., in gymnastics or dance). 

• Defensive Positioning – Placing yourself correctly to protect your goal, limit opponents’ options, or block attacks. 

• Offensive Strategies – Planned actions used to create scoring opportunities, such as moving into space or making supportive passes. 

• Shot Selection – Choosing the best type of shot based on the situation, pressure and your position. 

• Serve – The action that starts play in sports like tennis, badminton or volleyball. 

• Tactics – Decisions and actions used during a game to gain an advantage over opponents. 

• Goal Setting – Creating realistic targets to improve performance, motivation and progress. 

• Pacing – Controlling your speed and effort so you can sustain performance throughout an activity. 

• Choreography – Planning and arranging movements to create a structured dance or performance. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 3

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball/ Basketball 
  • Dance 
  • Badminton 
  • Gymnastics 

Key Vocabulary

• Space – Finding or creating areas on the pitch or court where you can move, pass or attack effectively. 

• Possession – Keeping control of the ball within your team to build an attack or maintain advantage. 

• Routine – A planned sequence of movements performed in a set order (e.g., in gymnastics or dance). 

• Defensive Positioning – Placing yourself correctly to protect your goal, limit opponents’ options, or block attacks. 

• Offensive Strategies – Planned actions used to create scoring opportunities, such as moving into space or making supportive passes. 

• Shot Selection – Choosing the best type of shot based on the situation, pressure and your position. 

• Serve – The action that starts play in sports like tennis, badminton or volleyball. 

• Tactics – Decisions and actions used during a game to gain an advantage over opponents. 

• Goal Setting – Creating realistic targets to improve performance, motivation and progress. 

• Pacing – Controlling your speed and effort so you can sustain performance throughout an activity. 

• Choreography – Planning and arranging movements to create a structured dance or performance. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 4

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball/ Basketball 
  • Dance 
  • Badminton 
  • Gymnastics 

Key Vocabulary

• Space – Finding or creating areas on the pitch or court where you can move, pass or attack effectively. 

• Possession – Keeping control of the ball within your team to build an attack or maintain advantage. 

• Routine – A planned sequence of movements performed in a set order (e.g., in gymnastics or dance). 

• Defensive Positioning – Placing yourself correctly to protect your goal, limit opponents’ options, or block attacks. 

• Offensive Strategies – Planned actions used to create scoring opportunities, such as moving into space or making supportive passes. 

• Shot Selection – Choosing the best type of shot based on the situation, pressure and your position. 

• Serve – The action that starts play in sports like tennis, badminton or volleyball. 

• Tactics – Decisions and actions used during a game to gain an advantage over opponents. 

• Goal Setting – Creating realistic targets to improve performance, motivation and progress. 

• Pacing – Controlling your speed and effort so you can sustain performance throughout an activity. 

• Choreography – Planning and arranging movements to create a structured dance or performance. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 5

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the summer term: – 

  • Athletics 
  • Tennis 
  • Cricket 
  • Rounders  

Key Vocabulary

• Space – Areas on the pitch or court that players can move into to create opportunities or avoid defenders. 

• Routine – A planned sequence of movements performed in order, often used in gymnastics or dance. 

• Defensive Positioning – Placing yourself in the best spot to stop opponents, protect your goal, or limit attacking options. 

• Offensive Strategies – Planned ways of attacking to create scoring chances, such as using space, passing options or movement patterns. 

• Shot Selection – Choosing the most suitable type of shot based on position, pressure and the game situation. 

• Serve – The action that starts play in sports like volleyball, badminton or tennis. 

• Tactics – The decisions and actions used during play to gain an advantage over opponents. 

• Goal Setting – Creating achievable targets to guide improvement and motivation. 

• Pacing – Controlling your speed and effort so you can maintain performance for the whole activity. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 6

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the summer term: – 

  • Athletics 
  • Tennis 
  • Cricket 
  • Rounders  

Key Vocabulary

• Space – Areas on the pitch or court that players can move into to create opportunities or avoid defenders. 

• Routine – A planned sequence of movements performed in order, often used in gymnastics or dance. 

• Defensive Positioning – Placing yourself in the best spot to stop opponents, protect your goal, or limit attacking options. 

• Offensive Strategies – Planned ways of attacking to create scoring chances, such as using space, passing options or movement patterns. 

• Shot Selection – Choosing the most suitable type of shot based on position, pressure and the game situation. 

• Serve – The action that starts play in sports like volleyball, badminton or tennis. 

• Tactics – The decisions and actions used during play to gain an advantage over opponents. 

• Goal Setting – Creating achievable targets to guide improvement and motivation. 

• Pacing – Controlling your speed and effort so you can maintain performance for the whole activity. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Year 9

Overview / Introduction

Focus: The final year of KS3 emphasizes performance enhancement and skill refinement. Students are encouraged to set personal goals, analyze their own and others’ performance, and engage in activities aimed at optimizing fitness and technique. 

Rationale: By Year 9, students have developed a solid foundation of skills and tactical knowledge, enabling them to engage in targeted, performance-driven activities. This phase fosters self-assessment, resilience, and motivation, as students work to refine their skills and achieve higher levels of personal performance. Focusing on performance also prepares students for potential PE courses at KS4, as well as for lifelong physical activity by instilling the value of setting goals and continually improving. 

Half Term 1

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball 
  • Basketball 
  • Badminton 
  • Gymnastics 

Key Vocabulary

• Accuracy – Performing a skill with precision and hitting the intended target or outcome. 

• Consistency – Repeating a skill correctly and effectively many times without large mistakes. 

• Interception – Gaining possession by stopping or catching a pass made by the opposing team. 

• Aesthetics – How visually pleasing or attractive a movement or performance looks. 

• Technique – The specific way a skill should be performed to achieve the best result. 

• Effectiveness – How well a skill or tactic works in helping you or your team succeed. 

• Analysis – Breaking down performance to understand strengths and weaknesses. 

• Self-Assessment – Judging your own performance to identify what you did well and what you could improve. 

• Court Coverage – How well a player or team moves to cover space and respond to the play on a court. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 2

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball 
  • Basketball 
  • Badminton 
  • Gymnastics 

Key Vocabulary

• Accuracy – Performing a skill with precision and hitting the intended target or outcome. 

• Consistency – Repeating a skill correctly and effectively many times without large mistakes. 

• Interception – Gaining possession by stopping or catching a pass made by the opposing team. 

• Aesthetics – How visually pleasing or attractive a movement or performance looks. 

• Technique – The specific way a skill should be performed to achieve the best result. 

• Effectiveness – How well a skill or tactic works in helping you or your team succeed. 

• Analysis – Breaking down performance to understand strengths and weaknesses. 

• Self-Assessment – Judging your own performance to identify what you did well and what you could improve. 

• Court Coverage – How well a player or team moves to cover space and respond to the play on a court. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 3

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball 
  • Basketball 
  • Badminton 
  • Gymnastics 

Key Vocabulary

• Accuracy – Performing a skill with precision and hitting the intended target or outcome. 

• Consistency – Repeating a skill correctly and effectively many times without large mistakes. 

• Interception – Gaining possession by stopping or catching a pass made by the opposing team. 

• Aesthetics – How visually pleasing or attractive a movement or performance looks. 

• Technique – The specific way a skill should be performed to achieve the best result. 

• Effectiveness – How well a skill or tactic works in helping you or your team succeed. 

• Analysis – Breaking down performance to understand strengths and weaknesses. 

• Self-Assessment – Judging your own performance to identify what you did well and what you could improve. 

• Court Coverage – How well a player or team moves to cover space and respond to the play on a court. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 4

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the autumn and spring terms: – 

  • Rugby 
  • Football 
  • Netball 
  • Basketball 
  • Badminton 
  • Gymnastics 

Key Vocabulary

• Accuracy – Performing a skill with precision and hitting the intended target or outcome. 

• Consistency – Repeating a skill correctly and effectively many times without large mistakes. 

• Interception – Gaining possession by stopping or catching a pass made by the opposing team. 

• Aesthetics – How visually pleasing or attractive a movement or performance looks. 

• Technique – The specific way a skill should be performed to achieve the best result. 

• Effectiveness – How well a skill or tactic works in helping you or your team succeed. 

• Analysis – Breaking down performance to understand strengths and weaknesses. 

• Self-Assessment – Judging your own performance to identify what you did well and what you could improve. 

• Court Coverage – How well a player or team moves to cover space and respond to the play on a court. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 5

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the summer term: – 

  • Athletics 
  • Tennis 
  • Cricket 
  • Rounders 
  • Softball 

Key Vocabulary

• Accuracy – Performing a skill precisely so the movement or outcome is correct and on target. 

• Consistency – Repeating a skill correctly and successfully over and over with minimal errors. 

• Technique – The correct and most efficient way to perform a specific movement or skill. 

• Effectiveness – How well a skill, tactic or action helps you achieve the desired result in a game or activity. 

• Analysis – Breaking down performance to understand what is working well and what needs improvement. 

• Self-Assessment – Reflecting on your own performance to judge strengths and identify areas to improve. 

• Court Coverage – How well a player or team moves to cover space, react to play and reduce gaps on the court. 

• Running Form – The proper body position and movement pattern used while running to improve speed, efficiency and reduce injury. 

• Power – The ability to produce force quickly, combining both strength and speed. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

Half Term 6

Summary

Pupils will do a rotation of the following activities during the summer term: – 

  • Athletics 
  • Tennis 
  • Cricket 
  • Rounders 
  • Softball 

Key Vocabulary

• Accuracy – Performing a skill precisely so the movement or outcome is correct and on target. 

• Consistency – Repeating a skill correctly and successfully over and over with minimal errors. 

• Technique – The correct and most efficient way to perform a specific movement or skill. 

• Effectiveness – How well a skill, tactic or action helps you achieve the desired result in a game or activity. 

• Analysis – Breaking down performance to understand what is working well and what needs improvement. 

• Self-Assessment – Reflecting on your own performance to judge strengths and identify areas to improve. 

• Court Coverage – How well a player or team moves to cover space, react to play and reduce gaps on the court. 

• Running Form – The proper body position and movement pattern used while running to improve speed, efficiency and reduce injury. 

• Power – The ability to produce force quickly, combining both strength and speed. 

How to support your child at home

  1. Encourage your child to be physically active. 
  1. Encourage them to take part in extra-curricular PE. 
  1. Limit their screen time. 

Useful Resources

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