At Key Stage 3, students take part in a wide range of activities designed to provide a broad and balanced curriculum. The programme supports the development of students’ physical, cognitive, social and emotional wellbeing.

Students are grouped by ability, using information from primary schools alongside baseline assessments carried out by the department. All students receive four hours of physical activity over a two-week period.

Activities change each half-term, allowing students to experience a variety of sports—for example, football, followed by athletics. In addition, students take part in a regular creative lesson, alternating between gymnastics and dance, to further develop coordination, expression and confidence.

At Key Stage 4, the time allocated to physical activity varies depending on the pathway students choose. In Year 10, students receive three hours of physical activity per fortnight, increasing to four hours per fortnight in Year 11.

Students also have the option to study GCSE Physical Education or Cambridge National Sports Studies. Those who choose these courses receive an additional five hours of Physical Education per fortnight, consisting of four theory lessons and one practical lesson.

Further details about these courses can be found in the Sports Courses section of the Physical Education curriculum page.

Sports Courses 

For more information on the Level 2 and Level 3 Physical Education qualifications available at the College, please visit our Sports Courses page using the link below.

Sports Courses at Ivybridge Community College

Exam Board: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/physical-education/gcse/physical-education-8582/specification

At Key Stage 5, the department offers a range of courses to suit different interests and career pathways.

Students can study A Level Physical Education with the OCR examination board.

We also offer vocational pathways, including:

• BTEC National Diploma in Sport Development (equivalent to two A Levels)
• BTEC Extended Certificate in Sport Development (equivalent to one A Level)

In addition, students can choose the BTEC Extended Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services, ideal for those interested in careers within the public services.

These courses provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for higher education or careers in the sports and fitness industry.

Exam Board: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/physical-education-h155-h555-from-2016/

The Physical Education Department is a flagship area of the College, offering a wide range of extracurricular sports and enrichment opportunities.

We currently run four Sports Academies in:

• Gymnastics
• Netball
• Football
• Rugby

These programmes are delivered by professional coaches, providing students with high-quality training and development. A Tennis Academy is also available in partnership with a local tennis centre.

A variety of enrichment clubs take place before, during and after college, offering opportunities across many different sports. In addition, our fitness facilities are open to all students at lunchtime and after college to support personal training and wellbeing.