KJS Prospectus 2025-26

Traditional Foundations, 21 st Century Education 18 Physical Education King James’s School PE Department is a thriving hub of physical activity, which on a daily basis challenges students to achieve individually and collectively. Key Stage 3 Physical Education consists of a broad and balanced programme, which includes dance, gymnastics, fitness, athletics, badminton, tennis, cricket, rounders along with a variety of invasion games. We follow a curriculum model of “Hand, Head, Heart” which is integrated and embedded into all lessons. Hand focuses on the practical - students improve their skills and learn how to adapt and apply them to different situations. Head is all about cognitive processing - from evaluating and improving to developing their tactics and compositional ideas. Heart focuses on the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development - promoting our core values of teamwork, motivation, respect, resilience and leadership. This ensures that students experience a well-rounded Physical Education alongside their personal development. At Key Stage 4, the emphasis is placed on enjoyment of physical activity and students adopt a range of responsibilities within a sporting setting. We give opportunities to try new activities to encourage more participation outside of school. PE at Key Stage 4 equips students with the skills and confidence to lead active and healthy lifestyles after they leave school. Students can also follow one of the highly popular courses such as GCSE Physical Education or BTEC Sport. These courses provide a depth of understanding into a variety of theoretical topics and applying the knowledge to sporting examples. Staff ensure that lessons are interactive, engaging and challenging, whilst encouraging students to think for themselves. Key Stage 5 is a continuation of these qualifications, with the chance to gain an A-Level in PE. The depth and variety of topics covered at A-Level is exciting, interesting and opens the door for students moving forward. The Department runs an extensive extra-curricular programme promoting recreational enjoyment alongside competitive sport. The school enters Area, County and National level competitions in several different sports and has an excellent reputation for success. Alongside our curriculum, we ensure that all our clubs are inclusive and continue to promote our core values. Student leadership is encouraged and welcomed, with sixth form students coaching and acting as role models to the younger years Religious Studies and Philosophy Throughout the school we seek to help students develop a sensitive, reflective and informed approach to the religious dimensions of life, and to instill a genuine, open-minded curiosity in the diversity of religious beliefs. There are many opportunities offered both inside and outside the classroom for students to see that Religious Studies matter. Our Key Stage 3 course includes themes such as belief, theological and philosophical concepts of God, monotheism in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Biblical and Qur’anic literacy, living the religious life; its beliefs and practices, polytheism and Dharmic faiths, philosophical questions about belief, science and religion, good and evil, human rights, and other moral, ethical, spiritual and cultural issues raised by religion. World religions are covered in varying depths. Progress is assessed by the school’s KS3 assessment policy and links to the local agreed syllabus guidelines. Great emphasis is given to substantive and disciplinary knowledge of faith and learning from the religions we study; questioning their impact in an historical and modern society. At Key Stage 4 students may opt to take GCSE Ethics, Religion and Life. The students follow the Edexcel B Religious Studies: Beliefs in Action specification (9-1). The topics are studied from the viewpoint of Christianity and Islam and also a non-religious viewpoint. Students are encouraged to use logical reasoning in their answers and to build up an argument supported by evidence - whatever their personal view on the religious or moral issue. Students are also encouraged to express their own opinions and to look at ethical questions from both sides of an argument. The course explores a range of philosophical, ethical and moral issues and various ways of expressing the Christian and Muslim faith. At Key Stage 5 students may opt to take A Level Philosophy and Ethics. The students follow the Edexcel A Level Religious Studies specification. Students will explore key themes in philosophy and religion such as philosophical issues and questions; the nature and influence of religious experience; problems of evil and suffering; religious language; works of key philosophers and scholars; influences of developments in religious belief and key themes in religious ethics such as significant concepts in issues or debates in religious ethics; a study of three ethical theories; application of ethical theories to issues of importance; ethical language; deontology, virtue ethics and the works of philosophers and scholars; medical ethics: beginning and end of life issues. Students will also study the philosophical and theological issues of Christianity.