Physical Education is a popular and highly successful academic area of study at Denstone. The department currently comprises four full-time teachers, including the incumbent Head of Department, with a number of other members of staff also having an input into the overall PE programme.

PE lessons exist in the curriculum with the aim of encouraging and challenging pupils to achieve their optimum, physically and mentally, through participation and, where appropriate, competition in a wide range of individual, racket and team sports. The department aims to stimulate and maintains pupil interest and enjoyment in physical activities and plays an important role in the College’s overall strategy to promote health and fitness for current and future lifestyles. Pupils are encouraged to understand the short and long term effects of exercise on the body, and the importance of safe practice in physical activities. Timetabled PE lessons aids young people in developing a range of desirable personal qualities such as, respect, self-discipline, determination, self-confidence, initiative and independent thinking.

Teaching and learning in the department is intended to be fun, with pupils working individually and as part of a team in a variety of activities. All pupils in the Lower School (Years 7, 8 and 9) currently have timetabled Physical Education lessons. In our Fourth and Fifth Forms (Years 10 and 11), good numbers of pupils opt to study PE at GCSE. The department currently follows the OCR specification (J587 course). In recent years pupil outcomes have been excellent, with 68% of candidates gaining a grade 7 or better in the Summer. This qualification is weighted 60% on externally assessed examination papers and 40% on non-examination elements (30% practical performance and 10% written coursework).

In the Sixth Form, the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate course is offered alongside the BTEC National Diploma and A Level PE course (OCR specification). Outcomes are excellent and, with student numbers growing at both GCSE and in the Sixth Form, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the teaching of examination PE courses alongside the lower school practical PE curriculum.

In recent years the department has run a number of visits to promote higher education opportunities in Sports Science, leisure and recreation, sports studies, sports coaching and Physical Education. These have included specialist workshops which build on the GCSE PE and BTEC Sport courses, thus allowing pupils to apply some of the principles and theories of sports science in a practical laboratory setting.

We are now looking for a dynamic, well-qualified, inspirational and imaginative teacher of Physical Education to build on the existing success and strengths of this key academic department. This position would be suitable for an Early careers Teacher (ECT) or a more experienced colleague looking to further their professional development within a successful, well-resourced and supportive environment. The department is thriving, innovative and forward thinking with its own well-resourced teaching area, including Smartboards in each classroom, and a culture of high performance and standards across all areas. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain and build upon these standards. Promoting the aims and values of the department across the College will be an important aspect of the role.

This position involves teaching an academic timetable, likely to involve a significant contribution to the teaching of examination groups as well as potential involvement in some teaching of lower school groups. Contributions to the thriving co-curricular sports and activities programme will be expected, alongside involvement in the broader life of the College, for example through house tutoring and the College’s activities programme. Life at Denstone is full and immensely rewarding!