Physical Education at Sherborne School

Sherborne is an academic environment, one in which boys are encouraged to achieve to the greatest of their ability; a value at the core of Physical Education, which influences every boy's life.

Our aim is to deliver a high quality curriculum which both educates and develops boys through sport and exercise. By doing so, we introduce boys to concepts of health and fitness, enrich their experience by offering new activities and challenges and finally, enable them to make decisions about lifelong sport and exercise. This programme of Health and Fitness is followed by every member of the Third Form during timetabled lessons, allowing them to sample material covered in depth at GCSE level.

Beyond the Third Form, the department offers A-Level and GCSE Physical Education and they are very popular choices for boys and girls, where classes are combined at A Level. Recent years have seen numbers opting for GCSE P.E. double, with a consequent rise in examination success. Academic P.E. focuses on the Performer in Action, where students apply the Psychology, Physiology and Sociology of Sport to the practical performer. In addition to achieving excellent examination results boys'own personal performance often improves dramatically through applying acquired knowledge to training and competition.

With the Olympics coming to London and Great Britain in 2012 we are perfectly placed to feel the true power of sport. It unites nations, inspires the young and energises economies. With the leisure sector booming in Britain and growth in areas such as Sports Management, Agencies and Nutritionists the study of P.E. has never been so apt. Alongside a genuine understanding of how physical activity and exercise effects everyone, from elite athletes to the elderly, Physical Education teaches skills such as leadership, motivation, feedback and teamwork; all of which prepare boys for life after Sherborne.

Simon Lilley BSc
Head of Physical Education