PE

Head of Department: Daniel Shanney

Deputy Head of Department: Tina Patel

Members of Department:

• Jonathan Signore (Head of Chapman House)
• Laura Macaulay (Head of Pankhurst and Mendoza House)
• Andy Cotterill
• Quang Ngo
• Sophie Shaw
• Ana Neves (Table Tennis Head Coach)

Physical Education helps to change and improve the lives of young people. At Morpeth, we aim to develop a strong 'sporting culture' within school (teamwork, respect, discipline, creativity, enjoyment and sportsmanship) within which our pupils also develop personal qualities such as self-esteem and self-confidence. We are proud to teach a broad and balanced programme of physical activities where differentiated work is set as appropriate.  Pupils are challenged at their own level and progress is celebrated. Our pupils have an experience of different skills and concepts in a wide range of sports and exercise topics, to develop their knowledge as well as their practical performance. The idea that PE is not just about the ‘doing’ but also about the ‘thinking’ helps students enhance their oracy skills, when offering peer advice and feedback, gaining a greater understanding of  the benefits of maintaining a healthy active lifestyle.

The current Physical Education department is very strong, supportive and committed to working together as an effective team, one that is determined to build on recent successes and to develop other areas of the curriculum presently offered to Morpeth pupils.  It is our intention to set realistic goals and ensure positive feedback so that each pupil is aware of his/her own progress and gains the confidence to achieve a higher level.  All pupils are assessed at the end of each practical six week unit of work.

Through learning different sets of physical and organisational skills, pupils will acquire essential social skills and work through many different emotions including the concept of ‘winning and losing’. The ability to offer and accept constructive criticism is emphasied. Maximum involvement and a high level of achievement is expected of every pupil. We strive to ensure that all examination candidates have the best conditions under which to complete practical and written work.

We are strong believers that Physical Education develops young people far beyond just their physical abilities and skills. There are many ways in which we believe individuals can achieve in PE and our curriculum is designed to give individuals the qualities to be successful players, performers, coaches, officials and organisers. We find that by giving every student such a breadth of experience in each activity we bring the very best out of each individual and instil a love for sport, in whatever capacity, to the great majority of students. It is our aim that these skills are developed to inspire and empower them for life, creating an interest in sport and health that promotes future participation in physical activity beyond their school education, and a realisation of the importance and value of a healthy active lifestyle.