The Thomas Hardye School

Physical Education

There are ten full-time teachers of Physical Education in the School led by a teacher in overall charge of Physical Education. Teachers in this area have been very successful and occupy positions of seniority within the School, notably in the area of pastoral guidance. They are also assisted by a number of colleagues who support the Department's activities, both inside and outside the curriculum.

The School has access to excellent facilities. The Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre includes two swimming pools, floodlit Astroturf pitch, weight training room and the other elements of resourcing that one would expect. There are large numbers of pitches related to the traditional team sports, tennis courts and the normal athletic and cricket facilities.

The Department also has a strong expertise in Outdoor Education. All students experience outdoor education as part of their entitlement and there is a strong Climbing Expedition Club led by the colleague responsible for Outdoor Education. Those involved in Physical Education also have very good relationships with local clubs of every type including Athletics. (The Dorchester Athletic Club uses the School's facilities), Tennis, Golf, Soccer, Rugby, Football and Hockey.

The School built a second sports hall which opened in November 2007. We now have two exceptional facilities and a new swimming pool will open in 2011.

There is full access for all students to the Physical Education curriculum with a flourishing "Sport for All" initiative based around Tutor Groups and there is strong student pressure to help organise and guide a large amount of physical recreational activity. In this way exceptional student-teacher relationships have been fostered.

The Department also plays a significant part in the academic curriculum with substantial numbers of students undertaking GCSE Physical Education, A Level Physical Education and CSLA. Results are excellent, in 2009 GCSE A* - C 80%, A Level A – C 82%, 100% A – E.

The Department has been central in creating a positive ethos, clear expectations and a sense of achievement. This influences all Year Groups, with the Sixth Form being expected to take a full part in physical and recreational activities on a weekly basis. There is also clear commitment to competitive sport.