This category includes activities such as Cheerleading and Dance, tailored for pupils interested in the creative and performance aspects of physical activity. These activities emphasise teamwork and collaboration, often culminating in showcases or competitions each term. 

Focusing on the physical, mental, and social benefits of sport in a non-competitive setting, this band offers activities like Pilates, Table Tennis, Walking, and Yoga. These clubs are typically held during lunchtimes, with Yoga and Walking available in the Spring and Summer terms. 

The Core Band includes Athletics, Badminton, Cross Country, Football, Rowing, Swimming, and Tennis—key sports that are central to our offerings. These sports have ‘Core’ sessions once per week across two or more terms, with a focus on inclusive training and competition. Pupils can progress at their own pace and participate in regular fixtures and competitive opportunities, with many of these sports competing at county, regional, and national levels. 

This category features Cricket, Gymnastics, Hockey, and Netball, aiming to encourage mass participation while also fostering excellence. We provide extensive and additional opportunities for all pupils to develop and achieve success at county, regional, and national levels. Weekly block fixtures for Hockey, Netball, and Cricket take place midweek or on weekends. 

The Year 7 and Year 8 Physical Education curriculum, known as the ‘Essential Curriculum,’ builds on the foundational skills, knowledge, and understanding established in the Prep School. Our approach prioritises holistic development, ensuring that students not only improve their physical abilities but also develop skills such as oracy, analysis, problem-solving, and resilience. 

With a focus on physical literacy, the curriculum fosters curiosity and risk-taking in a sporting context, whilst also helping students develop foundational and transferable skills and techniques that benefit them both on the sports field and beyond. This approach lays the foundation for lifelong participation in physical activity, enabling girls to appreciate movement, understand its benefits, and build self-confidence. 

The following areas are covered through 6-week units of work 

• Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ)  

• Strength, Power, Balance, and Flexibility 

• Coordination and Motor Skills 

• Game Sense and Ball Skills 

• Creative Movement and Expression 

• Swimming and Water Confidence 

The Year 9 Physical Education curriculum, called the ‘Embrace Challenge’ curriculum, builds on the foundations laid in Years 7 and 8 while fostering an appreciation for a variety of sports. By introducing new activities, this curriculum encourages widespread participation and cultivates a lifelong commitment to healthy, active lifestyles. The emphasis on diverse sports keeps students engaged, enhances their skills by applying them in new contexts. By exposing pupils to sports they may not have experienced before, the curriculum aims to challenge gender stereotypes and break down barriers to participation. 

The following areas are covered through 6-week units of work 

1. Ultimate Frisbee 

1. Health-Related Exercise (Yoga, Pilates, Gym) 

1. Table Tennis 

1. Parkour 

1. Handball 

1. Climbing 

In Year 7 and Year 8, the curriculum includes compulsory 6-week units in cricket, hockey, and cricket. After completing these units, pupils have the opportunity to follow a pupil-led curriculum, choosing from a diverse range of activities such as athletics, football, rowing, tag rugby, tennis, and ultimate frisbee.  

In Year 9 and Year 10, most pupils engage in a pupil-led curriculum, selecting from a diverse range of activities, including athletics, badminton, basketball, dance, football, Fitness Suite sessions, rowing, and volleyball. Games afternoons also offer our squad players in hockey, netball, and cricket dedicated time to refine their skills and team play in preparation for fixtures and competitions. This approach ensures that every pupil, regardless of ability or experience, can access the appropriate games provision that aligns with their interests and ambitions. Our commitment to inclusivity means promoting a lifelong love of sport for all, encouraging participation and enjoyment at every level. 

The primary objective of our Year 11 to Year 13 Games Curriculum is to promote widespread participation and engagement through a broad and varied selection of activities. We aim to cultivate a lifelong commitment to sport and physical activity, equipping students with the motivation and skills to continue these pursuits beyond school and into adulthood. Additionally, we emphasise the positive relationship between physical activity, health and wellbeing, and academic performance. 

Our curriculum is intentionally diverse and inclusive, structured around activity carousels that offer students a range of options: 

• Health and Wellbeing: Activities such as climbing, fitness training, mindfulness exercises, pilates, and yoga. 

• Games Activities: Traditional team sports like basketball, football, hockey, netball, tag rugby, and ultimate frisbee. 

• Net and Wall Games: Sports like badminton, squash, and tennis 

• Striking and Fielding: Activities such as cricket, rounders, and softball 

These activities are available in 6- and 12-week units, allowing students either to explore a variety of sports or to focus more intensively on specific ones. Games lessons, held once a week on Wednesdays for 1 hour and 50 minutes, are an integral part of the weekly curriculum during these crucial examination years. 

In addition, these sessions provide a dedicated training environment and competitive opportunities for pupils representing the school in cricket, hockey, and netball.