Sport at Leehurst Swan School
Sport at Leehurst is an important part of school life, but it is never one-size-fits-all. We believe that every pupil should have the opportunity to enjoy being active, to develop confidence and resilience, and to discover activities they can carry with them beyond school.
Our approach balances participation, skill development and competition. Pupils are encouraged to try a wide range of sports, to work as part of a team, and to take pride in effort as well as achievement. For some, this leads to competitive success and representative honours; for others, it builds lifelong habits of activity, wellbeing and teamwork. Both matter equally.
Across all year groups, pupils benefit from regular curriculum sport, enrichment opportunities, fixtures and events. As they move through the school, opportunities broaden and deepen, allowing pupils to specialise where appropriate while continuing to enjoy variety and challenge.
Our pupils participate in a range of regional races and tournaments with ISA, IAPS and Salisbury Area Schools.
Sports by School Phase
In the Lower School, sport is about building confidence, coordination and enjoyment. Pupils are introduced to a broad range of physical activities in a supportive environment that emphasises participation, teamwork and fun.
Lessons focus on developing fundamental movement skills, learning to work with others, and gaining confidence in trying new activities. Success at this stage is measured by enthusiasm, engagement and willingness to take part.
Middle School sport builds on strong foundations, introducing greater structure, skill development and tactical understanding. Pupils experience a wider range of sports and begin to take part in regular fixtures and inter-school events.
At this stage, pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, develop resilience and learn the importance of preparation and teamwork, while still enjoying variety and balance.
The children have PE, Games and swimming with specialist sports teachers.
In the Upper School, sport becomes more purposeful and varied. Pupils benefit from increased choice, more competitive opportunities and the chance to take on leadership roles within teams.
Training is more focused, fixtures are more regular, and pupils are supported to develop commitment, responsibility and confidence—skills that extend well beyond the sports field.
GCSE Physical Education is an excellent choice for pupils who enjoy sport and physical activity and want to understand the theory that underpins performance, training and wellbeing. Strong practical ability is helpful but not essential; the course develops both practical performance and academic understanding.
A GCSE in Physical Education is well regarded by employers and universities and complements a wide range of post-16 pathways. It supports progression into areas such as teaching, sport and exercise science, coaching, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, outdoor education, sports media and event management.
Course Content and Assessment
The course is assessed through a combination of practical performance and written examination:
Practical performance and coursework – 40%
- Three practical activities
- One controlled assessment task
Written examinations – 60%
- Two one-hour theory papers
Practical Activities
Pupils can be assessed in a wide range of activities, reflecting their strengths and interests. Assessment is not limited to school-based lessons.
Where pupils participate in recognised sports clubs or organisations (for example, trampolining, boxing or dance), external coaches may contribute to assessment, supported by video evidence and moderation. Certain off-site activities, such as skiing, horse riding and sailing, may also be used.
All activities must appear on the exam board’s approved list.
Theory Course Overview
The theoretical component develops understanding of how the body and mind perform in physical activity, including:
- Applied anatomy and physiology
- Physical training
- Socio-cultural influences in sport
- Sports psychology
- Health, fitness and wellbeing
Controlled Assessment
Analysing and Evaluating Performance (AEP)
Pupils analyse practical performance using real sporting examples, applying theoretical knowledge to evaluate strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. This element reinforces understanding and encourages reflective, analytical thinking.
Sports Scholarships
Did you know that your child may be able to obtain help with school fees with a sports scholarship?
Find out more on our scholarship pages.