Physical Education

We believe Physical Education is more than just a subject – it’s a lifelong investment in health, confidence, and enjoyment. From the early years through to adulthood, staying active is key to a happy, healthy life, and we make sure every pupil finds something they love.

Whether it’s mastering new skills, competing at the highest level, or simply staying active with friends, our PE programme is designed to inspire, challenge, and build a passion for sport that lasts a lifetime.

During Key Stage 3, pupils experience a wide range of activities, including:

• Athletics
• Badminton
• Dance
• Gymnastics
• Hockey
• Netball
• Rounders
• Football
• Tennis
• Trampolining
• Volleyball

Fitness is an integral part of the curriculum at all Key Stages. During Key Stage 4 our students begin to develop their interests through option choices such as:

• GCSE Physical Education
• Movement or games options in Year 11
• Developing activities taken up during Key Stage 3
• Additional activities depending on their interests such as Creative Games, Football, Touch Rugby or Pop Lacrosse

These activities offer opportunities for our students to develop and extend their interests and skills, not only in terms of participation, but also from an officiating and coaching perspective.

Regularly ranking in top 20 UK independent schools for Sport, our pupils represent the school at National finals level every year, in both team and individual pursuits. We celebrate particularly high and consistent levels of success across all senior year groups in netball, hockey, gymnastics and trampolining. You can read more about our annual achievements in our Spotlight magazine.

Whilst we are extremely proud of the achievements of our elite sports stars, we place equal emphasis on the importance of participation and personal development and growth in PE, regardless of ability. We structure co-curricular clubs, teams, competitions and activities to provide opportunities for leadership amongst our older players, whilst providing a wide range of opportunities for our less confident team members to get involved in as many disciplines as possible.

GCSE Physical Education

Studying GCSE PE gives pupils a chance to combine a love of the practical with the theory. To be successful in this subject they need to be performing practically at a high level, be committed to sport, and have a good knowledge and understanding of sport-related issues. Most GCSE PE candidates also train and compete in at least one sport out of school. This is a fantastic course for those with an interest in current sporting issues and the desire to learn how to perform or coach at a high level.

Topics include:

• Sports psychology
• Anatomy
• Biomechanics
• Sport technology
• History of sport

GCSE PE studies will support the development of scientific understanding, communication skills and will provide a sound grounding and  knowledge of a wide range of sports.

Co-curricular Activities

Sport is a huge feature within the school’s wider co-curricular offer and our GCSE PE students, and sports captains play a pivotal role alongside our PE department staff to deliver a vast range of opportunities for girls to get involved in a number of sports, outside of their PE lessons.

The programme is broad and balanced, so that all ages and abilities are given the opportunity to participate in a range of physical activities.

We offer co-curricular sporting activities which aim to:

• Complement and extend the curriculum beyond what is covered in timetabled sessions
• Allow all pupils to extend their interests and abilities
• Give our students opportunities for team and individual participation
• Provide leadership opportunities
• Promote health and physical fitness
• Give opportunities to travel both in the UK and abroad
• Allow students of different ages and abilities to interact

As a school, we support local sport and we have a long record of success in the Sheffield Federation for School Sport (SFSS) competitions. Both teams and individuals are given opportunities to compete against other independent schools in the Midlands and the North of England on a regular basis, both in friendly and competitive situations. Girls are able to access these opportunities starting in the Junior School.

As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, our pupils have the added advantage of participating in regular fixtures, competitions and Trust Rallies with schools across the UK.

We provide timetable support for our elite athletes to enable them to compete at the highest levels during term time as necessary. The achievements of our teams and individuals are celebrated through the School’s ‘star system’, in assemblies, through the awarding of school colours at our annual Prize Giving and other awards ceremonies and assemblies.

Our annual sports days in Summer Term are an amazing sporting spectacle where all pupils from Reception to Year 13 come together to enjoy some light-hearted competition and celebrate the huge well-being benefits of PE.