Physical Education

Physical Education at Aberlour House and Gordonstoun, is about developing each individual to achieve his or her potential. We provide a broad range of opportunities for all of our pupils to fully realise their physical skills and abilities. We allow our students to build their understanding and experience of teamwork and leadership skills, as well as their broader social skills. Furthermore, we aim to foster a love of sport that will allow each individual to continue to participate long after leaving school.

All Aberlour students attend one double period of Physical Education each week. They are taught in mixed ability, mixed gender groups of approximately up to twelve students. Lessons are taught by specialist PE staff. The aims of the Physical Education course are:

• To develop a range of skills and increase the confidence of the pupils in a number of activities.
• To introduce the principles of adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To teach the skills required to achieve this and to understand the effect of exercise on the body.
• To develop an understanding of the need to prepare their bodies for exercise, how to achieve this and then to recover from exercise.
• To provide the opportunities to plan and evaluate their own performances and that of others. Additionally, the pupils are encouraged to begin to think about the tactics and strategies required to outwit opponents in different situations. There is particular reference to team play and the individual's role within teams leading to co-operative activities as well as competitive ones.
• To provide a challenging and enjoyable experience, which allows all students to achieve their potential and to learn the social benefits of active participation in sporting activities. The aims of the PE curriculum are met through a structured, progressive programme that includes the following activities: gymnastics, dance, athletics, swimming, cross country running and games. These include tennis, volleyball, hockey, basketball and netball.

Games Programme

Throughout the year we offer a full and varied games programme to all pupils at Aberlour House. Games sessions are one hour in duration and take place on four days during the week.

Autumn Term

Boys

Rugby, Football, Hockey

Girls

Netball, Hockey

Spring Term

Boys

Hockey, Cross-Country Running, Football (Seniors), Rugby (Juniors)

Girls

Hockey, Netball

Summer Term

Boys

Cricket, Athletics, Tennis

Girls

Rounders, Athletics, Tennis

(In each case above, the sport named first is the principal sport during that term).

In addition to the sports named above, all pupils also have training in various Outdoor Education Activities as part of a rolling programme (e.g. kayaking, canoeing, climbing, expedition training).

Pupils may also opt to take lessons in Judo, Karate and Horse Riding during School games sessions.

Matches are played against other schools and sports clubs in the local area and further a field. These fixtures are usually arranged for Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

Sport at Aberlour House