Physical Education Staff

Mrs L Dann (Head of Department)
Ms E Awad
Mrs L Bowden
Mrs E Hicks
Mrs S Miller
Mr R Macrae
Mrs K Warner

The Physical Education Department

Welcome to Presdales PE Department. We pride ourselves in offering an all-round sporting experience for all students. We have varying expertise within the department which enables us to continue to offer a wide range of sporting activities.

Our Vision

To deliver a high-quality physical education curriculum which is inclusive and inspires students to participate and excel in a wide range of recreational and competitive sport within school, outside of school and later in life. It should provide opportunities for students to become physically competent and confident in a range of activities and in a way which supports their health and well-being.

Our Aim

We strive to:

Educate, encourage and provide opportunities for each student to reach their full potential and become more confident in a wide range of activities
Encourage the development of a Healthy Active Lifestyle beyond the school curriculum
Promote extracurricular participation through a broad range of clubs as a performer and a leader
Develop the ability to work as individuals, in groups and in teams
Develop concepts and values of competitiveness, fair play, sportsmanship, creativity and resilience
Ensure that all students take on different roles and responsibilities within lessons, including leadership, coaching and officiating
Develop curiosity and interest to encourage students to study GCSE and A Level PE

Clubs Timetable

A Level

Physical Education

Entry requirements: GCSE grade 6 in PE

If the subject has not been studied at GCSE: GCSE grade 6 in Combined Science or Biology.
To be able to perform at a high level competitively in at least one sport

Content

The syllabus specification seeks to develop a critical appreciation and understanding of physical activity within the context of sport and physical recreation. This is achieved by acquiring knowledge and understanding through the following subject areas:

· Applied Anatomy & Physiology

· Skill Acquisition & Sport Psychology

· Sport, Society and the Role of Technology

· Exercise Physiology & Biomechanical Movement

Assessment

Assessment is by two written examinations, a written analysis of performance and a practical examination.

Career Opportunities

This is an excellent subject to study if you want to progress to university for a degree in Physical Education, Teaching, Sports Science, Sport and Leisure Management and Sports Therapy to give just a few examples. An ‘A’ Level in Physical Education will be very useful for those wishing to follow a career as a health and fitness instructor, sports coach, physical training instructor in the armed forces, Sport Development Officer, and many others.

Curriculum Maps

Year 11 Bridging Work

Careers

Career Opportunities for those studying Physical Education

Studying Physical Education (PE) is about much more than just playing sports; it is a gateway to a massive variety of careers in health, science, business, and education. By studying PE at school, you develop essential transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and an analytical understanding of how the human body performs under pressure. As the global focus on health, mental well-being, and professional athletics continues to grow, the demand for specialists who understand the mechanics of movement and the importance of a healthy lifestyle is higher than ever. Whether you want to work on the sidelines of a professional stadium, in a clinical laboratory, or in a classroom, a foundation in PE provides the building blocks for a dynamic and rewarding professional life.

If you choose to pursue Physical Education, your career path could lead into several distinct sectors: Education & Coaching, Sports Science & Medicine, Management & Professional Services, Health & Fitness.

Photos

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: Reviewed by Lucy White

: Reviewed by Constantina Nichola

Year 7 PGL Netball

Sports Day

Swimming Gala

Trips

PE Careers Activity Week

Careers Week 2026

Our PE Careers Activity Week provided students with an exciting opportunity to explore a wide range of career pathways through a series of engaging guest speaker sessions and research sessions. Professionals from different industries visited throughout the week to share their experiences, discuss their career journeys, and offer practical advice about entering the world of work.

Each session allowed students to learn about the skills, qualifications, and personal qualities needed for success in various fields. Speakers spoke openly about the challenges they faced, how they overcame them, and the opportunities available within their industries. Students were able to ask questions, gain insights into day-to-day working life, and better understand how school subjects, like PE, connect to future careers.

On Monday, Lucy Day, a physiotherapist at Leicester City Women’s FC and former GB Judo spoke to a Year 11 GCSE group about her career pathway, key skills and qualities needed for a physiotherapist. Lucy started her career in the NHS before moving to Leicester Tigers RFC. Lucy talked about the challenges of juggling her studies from GCSE to degree level with competing nationally in Judo. She gave the girls honest advice about picking subjects that they enjoy, being organised and asking for help when it is needed.

On Tuesday, Catherine Elbourn, founder of Tackling Womenhood, a personal trainer and podcaster presented to both Year 11 GCSE classes and Emily Sheridan Women’s health specialist and wellbeing coach and personal trainer gave an insight to her career to a Year 10 GCSE group, and both our Year 12 and 13 A Level classes. Catherine spoke about how her initial interests in fitness and wellbeing have taken her on all sorts of different career paths. She said that when she looks back now she would have never imagined that she would be where she is today. Catherine gave valuable insights into the fitness industry, the highs and the lows as well as advice on the dos and the don’ts! She spoke passionately about making sure that you love what you do, and if you don’t, then you have the power to change it.

Emily talked to the students about her journey from young ballerina and dancer to a Women’s health specialist and Personal Trainer. She gave lots of insight into the challenges of being a young female in the dance world and the competitive nature of her initially chosen career. Emily spoke honestly about taking calculated risks to do what you enjoy and building your future around your interests and passions. She told the students that her careers have gone from heavily active, to very sedentary to very active again and that being and promoting outdoor exercise has given her a real sense of purpose.

On Thursday, Carrie Barfoot, a facilities and investment officer for Essex County FA came to talk to a Year 10 GCSE class about how her sporting career began as elite gymnast and European jiu-jitsu champion. She then went on to explain a variety of jobs in sport which she has had, from running her own gymnastics club to her current role for the FA.

Additionally, Josh Smith, a professional football referee gave a really interesting presentation about life as a football referee to the Year 13 A Level class. Some brilliant questions from the students about VAR, what his typical week entails to prepare him for the upcoming match and reflections after, how much fitness training and testing is involved and how difficult it is to make decisions and control the game at such a high level. He also focused on all the uses of technology within his role, e.g. GPS trackers, heart rate monitors, VAR, dietician monitoring apps, analysis tools for after the game, all directly linking to the specification.

On Friday, Tara Hughes a NHS hospital based physiotherapist gave an insight to how many roles within physiotherapy there actually are! She is a specialist in neurological physiotherapy and major trauma and explained what her day to day role involves. She honestly discussed the challenges and successes of the job and addressed common misconceptions about working in the NHS.

Also we welcomed back Rachel Yankey OBE Former England & Arsenal footballer who now runs her own foundation for disadvantaged girls in football. Rachel attended our Sports Awards Evening in July 2024 and it was a pleasure to hear about her career once again. Rachel spoke about the challenges she had early on as a young girl trying to play a part in a male dominated football world. She spoke about the courage and commitment of the adults around her who fought for her to be able to play, and how that has helped to shape her determination to support young girls to be more physically active and to follow their dreams. Her key message was one of resilience and modesty.

A key message lots of the presenters spoke about was the importance of doing work experience to gain valuable insight to the job and make you stand out in competitive careers, showing genuine interest in that role. They also said the following qualities are key in employment; communication, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, digital skills, time management and resilience.

Throughout the week, all Key Stage 3 students (Year 7-9) participated in a lesson looking at sporting careers e.g. dance choreographer, sports development officer, commentator, coach, firefighter, physiotherapist and stunt performer. They then either planned a short presentation to talk to their peers about a sporting career or created a poster about a sporting career that has interested them the most. We had a huge mixture of presentations and posters which was amazing on a huge range of researched careers e.g. yoga teacher, jockey, sports psychologist, sports journalist, sports data analyst! The students got to work on their oracy and presentational skills; we just wish we had enough time to listen to them all!

The week encouraged students to think about their own aspirations. Hearing real-life stories helped them appreciate the many possible routes into employment, including university, apprenticeships, and vocational training. The interactive nature of the talks helped build confidence and curiosity about future possibilities.

Overall, PE Careers Week was a valuable and inspiring experience. The guest speakers helped broaden students’ perspectives and begin thinking more seriously about their future pathways. We sincerely thank them for giving up their time to speak to our students, it was greatly appreciated.