At Brookhaven, Physical Education is a key component of holistic student development — promoting physical health and wellbeing, building confidence and resilience, and developing essential social and emotional skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Physical Education Curriculum Intent Statement
At Brookhaven School, Physical Education is a key component of holistic student development. The PE curriculum promotes physical health and wellbeing, builds confidence and resilience, and develops essential social and emotional skills. Through sport and movement, students develop teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving abilities that extend beyond the classroom into adult life.
The curriculum balances structured sporting disciplines with inclusive, personalised experiences. All students are supported to access, enjoy and succeed in PE, with an emphasis on lifelong participation, physical literacy, and the role of movement in supporting mental health and sensory regulation.
Learning extends beyond the school site. Students access a range of community-based opportunities including local gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools and inclusive sports programmes — building independence, confidence and an understanding of how to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle beyond school.
Partnerships with organisations such as City in the Community, the Greater Manchester School Games, the Panathlon SEND Foundation and the Greater Manchester Inclusion Group provide meaningful opportunities for competition, participation and belonging within the wider community.
The PE curriculum is personalised through two distinct learning pathways, ensuring every student can access, engage with and progress in physical education in a way that meets their individual needs and aspirations.
Vocational Pathway
This pathway focuses on developing physical skills, performance and understanding through a structured curriculum. Students build competence across a range of sports, developing tactical awareness, teamwork and leadership.
There is a clear focus on accreditation, with students working towards OCR GCSE Physical Education, supporting progression into further education, training or employment linked to sport and physical activity.
Independence Pathway
This pathway supports students to develop physical confidence, regulation and independence through movement. Activities are adapted to meet individual needs, focusing on engagement, routine, communication and wellbeing.
Students work towards the OCR Entry Level Certificate in Physical Education, with an emphasis on participation, personal progress and developing lifelong healthy habits.
Across all pathways, our vision for Physical Education is to ensure every student experiences the joy of movement, develops the skills to lead an active life, and builds the physical and emotional resilience they need to thrive — in school, in their communities, and throughout adulthood.