Key Stage 3 Physical Education: what you learn in KS3 PE

Team and individual games, such as invasion games, net and wall games or striking and fielding games.

Choosing when to pass, move, attack, defend, support a teammate or change plan.

The exact games vary, but tactics and decision-making matter in many activities.

Athletics, gymnastics-style movement, throwing, jumping, striking, balancing or controlled movement tasks.

Accuracy, control, timing, coordination, safe practice and improving a technique over time.

Progress is not only about a score or result; the quality of your technique can improve too.

Creating, performing and improving movement patterns, sometimes individually and sometimes in groups.

Rhythm, control, expression, teamwork, feedback and confidence in performance.

Creative work can be part of PE; it still uses physical skill and reflection.

Physical challenges, problem-solving tasks, navigation-style tasks or trust and teamwork activities.

Planning, communication, leadership, resilience, safety and solving problems with other people.

Schools need the right space and equipment, so activities can look different.

Watching a performance, giving feedback, setting a target, comparing with an earlier attempt or recording a result.

Explaining what worked, spotting one improvement and trying again with a clearer target.

You can improve against your own previous attempt, not only against other students.

Warm-ups, cool-downs, fitness ideas, officiating, organising small activities, reviewing teamwork or learning PE vocabulary.

Safe habits, communication, confidence, vocabulary, reflection and understanding how activity can fit into everyday life.

PE lessons should not be turned into personal exercise or weight-loss advice.

Some secondary schools may include swimming if they have access to facilities.

Water confidence, technique and safe participation, where the school offers it.

Swimming instruction is required in Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2, not specifically as a universal KS3 requirement.

A school subject where students learn movement skills, tactics, safe participation, teamwork, reflection and how physical activity can support active lives.

The school stage covering Years 7, 8 and 9 in England, usually ages 11 to 14.

The set of subjects and standards used by many schools in England, with obligations depending on school type.

Planned ways to make good decisions in games or activities, such as when to pass, attack, defend or change position.

How you perform a skill, movement or action, such as throwing, jumping, landing, striking, balancing or moving in rhythm.

A target based on improving your own previous performance, not just comparing yourself with someone else.

Looking at what went well, what could improve and what next step would help a performance get better.

Your relationship with movement and physical activity across life, including how you move, think, feel and connect.

Understanding fitness for healthy, active living, such as stamina, strength, flexibility, movement skills and safe habits.

Compulsory PE lessons that continue at KS4 as part of the curriculum, separate from choosing GCSE PE.

An optional GCSE subject in many schools that usually combines theory, practical performance, analysis and evaluation.

Using equipment correctly, following rules, warming up sensibly and asking for help when an activity feels unsafe or unsuitable.