If there is any subject that is responsible for improving the physical, mental and social well-being of young people – Physical education is at the forefront.

At Castle Hall, the practical range and breadth of the curriculum develops both skill and health-related fitness necessary for sport and daily life e.g. strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. The range of diverse sports delivered in physical education lessons enable students to experience something they are both successful at and enjoy doing. Regular exercise participation is one of the methods our subject offers to break the current trend of childhood obesity and make our nation healthier. During and after practical lessons, endorphins are released which help to ease stress, tension and anxiety. It has been proven the endorphins improve levels of concentration and memory function meaning physical education not only supports mental health but facilitates success and academic achievement in other subjects across the curriculum.

PE provides students with many opportunities to work as part of a team, building cooperation, communication and leadership skills in every year of study. Learning and adhering to different rules and regulation in a vast array of sports means pupils leave school and enter society as responsible citizens – something we are very proud of.

Music is creative subject in both a practical and an academic sense. Music engages and inspires students to develop a love for creativity through composing, performing and listening. Studying music or learning to play an instrument is a tool which develops memory, improves practical fine motor skills, generates self-discipline and supports time management skills – all of which are not only important during school life, but also vital in the holistic development of a young person.

Music gives opportunity to prepare students for life after school. Working individually gives pupils a sense of achievement and builds self-confidence. Working in an ensemble supports social skills and gives an opportunity for students to show empathy through listening and critiquing performances. Finally, music equips pupils with a wealth of diverse cultural knowledge by understanding music from different countries and from different cultures around the world.

Drama plays an important part in developing a well-rounded student. Drama is a key factor in the development of a student’s creativity and memory. Drama improves communication and literacy skills, facilitates peer relationships and interaction, broadens imagination, and develops self-confidence, emotional intelligence and empathy. This imaginary and entertaining subject provides students with the opportunity to cultivate desirable transferrable skills that prove relevant in all subjects across the curriculum and in future employability. Drama accelerates speech and language development, enhances critical thinking, problem solving and decision making whilst opening doors to cultural diversity. The language of theatre is international and understood by many. It provides an opportunity for students to explore and develop an understanding of the differences and similarities of their own environment and that of other cultures round them.

Health and Social Care equips our students with knowledge of how the body grows and develops over time. It also equips them with an understanding of how factors can have a positive and negative impact on human development meaning our students can make appropriate lifestyle decisions in order to live successful and healthy lives, now and in our future.

Health and Social care enables students to learn about acute and chronic health conditions which many people face which effects the quality of life. Pupils also gain an understanding of potential barriers to accessing support and health care plans and solutions to override these problems. Health and social care provides students with an understanding of Care Values within the Health and Social Care industry supporting them with future employment. Throughout the course, students have opportunities to analyse and draw from case studies, undertake research to compliment learning and practice skills that are transferrable to other subjects and higher education.