PE

S1, S2 and S3: The PE course is designed to offer diverse learning experiences for pupils at Portlethen Academy. The PE department teach an array of activities for pupils to participate within, including Table Tennis, Hockey, Handball, Badminton, Fitness, Basketball, Volleyball, Netball, Team Building, Gymnastics, and many more.

We ensure lessons are planned around Education Scotland Benchmarks and involve Significant Aspects of Learning into teaching to develop pupils personal and social skills.

We have a core focus on developing our young people’s Communication, Leadership, Resilience and Teamwork.

S3 Performance PE: Students who select PE as a subject at the end of S2 get an additional three periods of PE a week. This course aims to upskill students in a range of activities (as similar to S1/S2) and begins to introduce key PE concepts to prepare students for National 5 in S4. Specifically, learners are introduced to the ‘Four Factors’ and engage in physical activities to understand how their Physical, Mental, Social and Emotional Factors could impact their performances.

Senior pupils can select PE at National 4 or 5, Higher level. Each course is a progression of previous certification and involved four or five periods of PE each week (as well as an additional two core periods in S4).

Physical Education

National 4 – Pupils complete two performances and a National 4 booklet. The booklet introduces concepts, such as, Factors, Data Methods, and Monitoring Methods.

National 5 – Students complete two performances, both out of 30 marks. In addition, students submit their N5 Portfolio as their SQA examination, also worth 60 marks. This course introduces our PE Cycle for pupils to plan and complete their own Personal Development Plan.

Higher – Students complete two performances, both out of 30 marks. As well as this, pupils sit an SQA exam lasting 2hrs 30minutes and is worth 50 marks. Higher Physical Education is a progression from National 5 and delves into depth about the Cycle of Analysis, planning and implementing a PDP, and evaluating their overall success in each activity.

Achieving Excellence in Sport (Level 6)

This course is geared towards giving pupils of a strong level of performance the opportunity to analyse, monitor and further develop their overall performance in a specific activity. As well as a significant focus on individual performance development (Unit 2) there are 2 other units within this course which are ‘Codes of Conduct’ (Unit 1) and ‘Methods of Analysis’ (Unit 3). As well as completing and recording a training program, pupils will gain experience of how to analyse and track their individual performance through many different methods. Pupils will also be assessed in a specific sport on 3 different occasions over the academic year. (Suitable for pupils aspiring to study Sport Science in the future)

Sports Development (Level 6) 

This course is directed towards students who have a desire to develop their leadership skills through sport. Pupils will be given opportunities to plan, support and lead primary school groups in various activities and will record their progress throughout the year. Pupils will experience & develop in a variety of ‘roles & responsibilities’ in sport such as coaching, umpiring and performing. There are also a number of projects within the course which focus on the wider impact of sport & exercise opportunities, and this can positively impact on individuals and communities. Pupils will also plan, organise and lead a sports event.

Sport and Recreation 

This is a practical course designed for those who want to pursue a career in the sport and leisure industry. Students will complete 2 practical and 2 theory units based around work in the industry. Students will be expected to plan and lead both activity and fitness sessions, research and plan their career pathway, learn how to manage equipment and areas safely as well as other aspects of working in a sporting context.

Refereeing Award

This SFA/SQA level 7 course will equip learners with the skills and qualifications in order to become a referee. Students must pass both a practical assessment and an online SFA assessment with a minimum of 70% in order to pass the course.

Progression through Physical Education:

National 4: No previous attainment required

           National 5: S3 performance PE preferred but not essential

           Higher: A or B at National 5 preferred

           Sport and Recreation: no previous attainment required

           Sports Development: no previous attainment required

           Achieving Excellence in Sport: no previous attainment required however being a competitive sports player is essential

           Refereeing: no previous attainment however serious interest in football is required

In progress

Please find a table of the extra-curricular sessions on offer but also check out the whole school list here: https://www.portlethenacademy.aberdeenshire.sch.uk/curriculum/wider-curriculum

Supported study sessions are offered by teachers throughout the academic year. Sessions take part over lunch or after school, and each teacher offers a different day to ensure all students are able to attend.

Revision Websites – Achieve (Glow), SQA Website, BBC Bitesize

At Portlethen Academy, students can progress through the following Physical Education courses:

• S3 Performance – To prepare & progress students for National 5 P.E in S4

• National 4 & 5 Physical Education – To prepare & progress students for Higher P.E in S5/6

• Higher Physical Education

• Advanced Higher Physical Education

• Sport Development (N.P.A – National Progression Award)

• Achieving Excellence in Sport (N.P.A – National Progression Award)

• Sport & Recreation

The above courses can help pupils prepare and access courses in further education after leaving school:

Nescol College Courses – Sports Coaching & Development (HNC/HND), Sport & Exercise, Sports Coaching, Fitness & Exercise

University Courses – Sport & Exercise Science, Sport Studies, Sport Psychology, Sports Coaching, Sport Management, Sport Therapy, Physiotherapy

Transferable Skills for Any Industry – Research Skills, Communication Skills, Analysing Performance, Understanding of the aspects of fitness, Planning training programmes, Developing Leadership and communication skills, Sports Coaching Skills, Decision Making, Team Working abilities, Working under pressure.

Potential Career Prospects – Sports Coach, Physiotherapist, Teacher, Sports Therapist, Sport Psychologist, Leisure Management, Sports Co Ordinator, Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Sports Nutritionist, Sports Journalist.