Physical Education

PE and Sport are a vital part of the DESC culture. Participation in activity has obvious benefits but we want our students to enjoy these experiences and ensure that physical activity becomes a part of everyone's life during and after College.

Physical Education – Key Stage 3

Physical Education (PE) and Sport are a huge part of life at the College, with all students in Key Stage 3 participating in two PE lessons per week. Students enjoy a range of activities with a focus on leadership and communication alongside performance. Activities include Athletics, Aquatics, Badminton, Basketball. Cricket, Dance, Football, Handball, Health Related Fitness, Netball, Rounders, Rugby, Table Tennis, Team Building, Volleyball and Waterpolo. The wide range of activities listed aim to engage all learners and develop skills in individual and team sports. We encourage students to show good character in competitive and non-competitive situations as a participant, coach or in a officiating capacity.  

Physical Education – Key Stage 4

All students in Year 10 participate in two lessons fortnightly and all students in Year 11 participate in three lessons fortnightly. Students will build upon the skills and techniques learnt at Key Stage 3 and will take ownership of their own learning through options lessons, whereby students are able to select the activity to participate within, from the sports on offer. Activities include Athletics, Aquatics, Badminton, Basketball. Cricket, Dance, Football, Handball, Health Related Fitness, Netball, Rounders, Rugby, Table Tennis, Team Building and Volleyball. Those students undertaking PE as one of their GCSE options will have the opportunity to develop their practical performance as part of the course in at least one lesson.

Examination PE – Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, students have the opportunity to study the Edexcel GCSE PE two-year course. Students will develop their understanding and knowledge of fitness and the body systems and health and performance. At the end of the two-year course, students will be assessed in two written examination papers and three practical sports, along with a written Personal Exercise Programme (PEP).

Examination PE and Vocational qualifications in Sport – Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5, students have the opportunity to study the AQA A-level PE two-year course. Students will build upon the knowledge learnt within GCSE PE and further develop an understanding of Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Skill Acquisition and Sport and Society in year one. In year two, students will study Exercise physiology and biomechanics, Sport psychology and Sport and society and technology in Sport. At the end of the two- year course, students will be assessed in two written examination papers and one practical sport, along with a non-examined assessment (coursework).

Additionally at Key Stage 5, students are able to study the Pearson BTEC International level 3 Sport qualification. This is a two- year course without any controlled assessments. Students will instead complete assignments to meet the criteria in a variety of ways, such as presentations, practical tasks and written documents. Students will study units such as organising events in sports and physical activities, sports injuries management, careers in sport and nutrition for physical performance.

For more information about Key Stage 5 at DESC, please view our Sixth Form page.

House Sport

House Sport takes place within PE lessons throughout the year for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, giving a large number of students a chance to represent their House in various sports. In addition, students will compete in events such as the House Swim Gala and House Sports Festival. 

Our aim is for all students to enjoy participating in PE and House Sport and build good physical activity habits. We hope this will lead to lifelong participation and healthy active lifestyles far beyond each student's time at DESC. Competition is also available for those that want to take their game to the next level, allowing for opportunity for maximum performance alongside participation at DESC.

For more information about Sports at DESC, please view our Sports page.