Physical Education
Spòrs
The Physical education department works through a variety of activities in mixed groups to help pupils develop skills and understanding and an appreciation of the skills in others.
Courses:
P.E. courses can be divided into 4 categories.
a) Core P.E. is compulsory throughout the school (S1 to S6) two periods per week.
b) Elective P.E. – Pupils in S3 have the opportunity to expand their experience in the subject and prepare for certificate P.E.
c) Certificate courses include a 1 year National 4 or 5 course and subsequent Higher and Advanced Higher courses.
d) Additional courses: we have introduced Heartstart courses for all years, an in house Leaders in Sport course and this year we will offer UKCC Level 1 coaching award in Rugby.
S3/4: Elective P.E. in S3 provides the opportunity for pupils to expand and deepen their knowledge of Physical Education and can be used as a preparation for certificated courses in Physical Education from S4 to S6.
We have this year introduced the new National 6 and 7 (Higher and Advanced Higher) courses. These new courses reflect the value and approach of Curriculum for excellence as well as increased flexibility with regard to Performance assessment. The new courses also provide opportunities for the pupil to develop the knowledge and understanding of the factors which impact on physical activity and physical health.
S5/6: Higher, and Advanced Higher Physical Education courses are offered. The courses are divided into two sections: Performance and Factors Impacting on Performance (Analysis of Mental, Emotional,Social and Physical factors). Performance only units may also be offered.
Core content: Pupils in S1 to S3 take a common course which covers the following activities.
Rugby Hockey Shinty
Football Fitness Volleyball
Dance Athletics Gymnastics
Basketball Badminton Orienteering
Games Making Softball Swimming
Short Tennis Social Dance
In S4 to S6 pupils will have and additional element of choice available, where possible pupils will have the opportunity to opt for additional activities such as Table Tennis, Trampoline and Handball. The teaching will move to al less formal coaching/leisure approach.
In addition it is hoped that pupils will find these activities challenging and enjoyable and that they will continue with the long established tradition in Plockton of taking part in Inter House competition and Extra-curricular activities.
Heartstart: in the past year we have introduced the Heartstart course which is sponsored by the British Heart Foundation. At present every pupil, with the exception of the new S1, has participated in a Heartstart course. It is our intention to update the qualification bi-annually.
Young Sports Leaders award: This year we have introduced the Young sports leaders award at two levels as an optional course in S3 and in the senior school. This course equips pupils to help with and lead activity groups both in and out of school and offers a nationally recognised qualification.
UKCC Level 1 award in Rugby: this year we will be in a position to offer a level 1 coaching course in rugby to a few Pupils who would like to take their interest in the game further. We hope this will be the start of a pattern we would like to develop in partnership with our active schools co-ordinator.
Extra-curricular activities: In addition to core and certified courses the P.E. department also facilitates the provision of a wide range of Extra-curricular activities. Through the Extra-curricular programme the pupils have the opportunity to participate in local and national competition as well as a purely recreational basis.
The range of activities on offer will vary from year to year depending on the wishes of the pupils and the interest and enthusiasm of the staff at any one time.