Physical Education

The department is committed to providing pupils with worthwhile and educational experiences in as many activities as possible in the hope that they will pursue any interests through participation outside school and into later life.

Opportunities for the academic study of Physical Education and Sport are seen as an important method of increasing pupils awareness of the importance of exercise and to stimulate the individual's interest in the study of sporting activity.

Year 6

The curriculum at Year 6 introduces the basic core elements of Physical education. The aim of the programme of study is to develop movement patterns, co-ordination and life skills. An holistic approach to teaching where every child's learning is nurtured to help them to participate to the best of their ability. All children cover the same activities which include; Functional Movement Skills, Dance, Gymnastics, Swimming and Athletics.

Year 7

The curriculum at Year 7 is wide and varied in order to introduce and develop different types of movement patterns that will aid coordination in the execution of more complex skills in later years. Swimming and Athletics play an important role within the program of study as we believe these are important life skills. Classes are taught in small mixed sex groups where individual attention can aid pupils learning. Activities taught include; Gymnastics, Functional Movement Skills, Swimming, Athletics and Dance.

Year 8

The curriculum in Year 8 looks to build upon what has been taught in Year 7, with all of the same activities being taught. The programme of study revisits the same activities, however, more advanced skills are introduced thereby helping to develop children's motor skills and co-ordination. Children continue to be taught in small mixed sex groups where there is a stronger emphasis placed on encouraging them to enjoy and understand the benefits of participation in physical activity.

Year 9

The curriculum in Year 9 has a more developed programme of work. Not only is there a greater variety of activities taught but the style and manner is adapted to include a greater emphasis on knowledge and understanding of the activity. Pupils will be challenged with the opportunity to undertake more complex skills in each activity, though differentiation is also an important aspect of lessons with pupils being encourage to achieve their best. Children continue to be taught in mixed sex groups though at this stage maybe in slightly larger groups. Activities taught include; Trampolining, Strength and Conditioning, Swimming, Athletics and Badminton.

IGCSE Physical Education

The syllabus provides candidates with an opportunity to study both the practical and theoretical aspects of physical education. It is designed to foster enjoyment in physical activity by providing students with an opportunity to take part in a range of physical activities. Students undertaking the IGCSE Physical Education course should be competing regularly for the school teams and be competent in a range of sports 

As part of the course the students will follow a programme of Swimming, Personal Survival, Cross Country and Camp Craft and, an ability to be successful in these sports is a key determinant to success in this subject. 

By following the course students will be able to develop an understanding of effective and safe physical performance and to appreciate the necessity for sound understanding of the principles, practices and training that underpin improved performance, better health and well-being.  

The syllabus is broken down into the following components:- 

  1. Anatomy and physiology 
  2. Health, fitness and training 
  3. Skill acquisition and psychology 
  4. Social, cultural and ethical influences 

The examination assesses candidate’s knowledge and understanding in relation to the syllabus content. Candidates are required to demonstrate skills of description, interpretation and evaluation. The question paper has a weighting of 50% of the total mark. 

The Coursework component requires candidates to offer a minimum of four practical activities from two of seven categories. Each activity is marked out of 25 and it is worth 50% of the final mark. The practical activity categories are: 

  • GAMES  
  • GYMNASTIC ACTIVITIES 
  • DANCE (MAX 2 DANCE STYLES)  
  • ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES  
  • OUTDOOR AND ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES 
  • SWIMMING  
  • COMBAT ACTIVITIES  

 

A Level

Academic Physical Education A-Level - OCR H555

The OCR A level Physical Education syllabus is both practical and theoretical in content. It will allow learners to study Physical Education in an academic setting, enabling them to critically analyse and evaluate their physical performance and apply their experience of practical activity in developing their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

This course will build upon the IGCSE Physical Education course taught at Leicester Grammar School. Students undertaking the A level Physical Education course must have not only a passion for the subject but must also be playing and competing regularly to a high standard in teams both inside, and outside of school. The most successful A Level student, not only participates regularly in their chosen sport, but may also coach, volunteer and participate in other sporting co-curricular activities.  This is an expectation for our students at Leicester Grammar School.

It is essential that prior to opting for A level Physical Education potential students should, via consultation with the PE Department, ensure that their chosen sport is approved for practical assessment by the awarding body.

The prior completion of (I)GCSE Physical Education is not a prerequisite of this course; however, the most successful A level Physical Education students will not only have a Grade ⑦ or higher at (I)GCSE in Biology but also high grades in all Sciences. Where (I)GCSE Physical Education has been taken, we regard a good score in the theory element [⑦ or higher] as particularly important for prospective A level students.

Students learn about physiological and psychological factors affecting performance, alongside socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport. Their practical performance will be assessed in performing ONE activity OR in coaching ONE activity.

 

This course will prepare learners for the further study of PE or sports science courses as well as other related subject areas such as psychology, sociology and biology. Learners will also develop the transferable skills that are in demand by further education, Higher Education and employers in all sectors of industry.

Co-Curricular

Our co-curricular offering here is outstanding for sport at Leicester Grammar School. Success across team competitions, individual player progression, and sustained excellence at all levels, from Borough to National Finals is a regular theme. Our pupils demonstrate exceptional commitment, resilience, and ambition, achieving results that reflect the strength of our sporting culture and the depth of our programmes. The breadth of our provision, with the school now offering 15 sports, fielding over 115 teams, and fulfilling more than 560 fixtures, along with over 70% of our senior school population representing the school this year, is something we are proud of. Our ethos of enhancing sporting and physical ambition is really embodied by our students, and we do well to offer a balanced delivery of sport for all here, with strong interhouse competitions too.

Trips and Tours

Sporting tours are undertaken to a variety of destinations, providing students with outstanding opportunities to develop their skills, experience different cultures and compete against high-quality opposition. Since 1991, Rugby, Hockey and Netball teams have toured extensively across both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Hockey and Netball teams also undertaking regularly UK-based tours, cohort specific. Most recently, in 2025, over 50 students from Rugby, Hockey and Netball travelled to South Africa on a major overseas tour, competing against leading schools and clubs while enjoying a unique cultural and sporting experience, we hope to run this again. Regular touring destination remains the Isle of Wight. Building on previous visits by Cricket, Tennis and Hockey teams, the annual Year 8 tour now sees over 40 boys and girls travelling to the island to take part in a range of sporting fixtures and outdoor activities. The School also participates in a number of prestigious sporting events and festivals each year. Tennis teams regularly travel to Eton College for competitive fixtures and tournaments, while Rugby teams attend the renowned Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens, one of the largest and most prestigious school rugby competitions in the world. Through these tours and events, Leicester Grammar School students benefit from memorable sporting experiences that foster teamwork, resilience, leadership and lifelong friendships.

Other

The School places a very strong emphasis on the benefits of Sport and Physical Education. All pupils from Year 6 to Year 11 receive a double period of Physical Education and a dedicated afternoon of Games each week. Students continue their participation in sport through the Sixth Form, either by representing the School in senior teams across our major sports or by engaging in a broader recreational games programme. The School enjoys strong working relationships with a number of leading local and national clubs. These include Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, Leicester City Hockey Club, Leicester Hockey Club, Leicester Riders Basketball Club, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Leicester City Football Club and Loughborough Lightning. Many of our pupils represent these organisations within their performance pathways, competing at county, regional and national level. We are particularly proud of our links with the local sporting community and our reputation as a centre for sporting excellence. The School was selected as a Team Training Base for both the London 2012 Olympic Games and Rugby World Cup 2015. We have also hosted a number of elite teams for training and preparation, including the South Africa Springboks, New Zealand Maori, RC Toulon and the Barbarians, Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Our facilities have also welcomed international cricket, hosting a warm-up fixture between the Indian and West Indies Women's teams prior to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. These experiences reinforce our commitment to providing pupils with exposure to the highest levels of sport and performance.