Pupils at The Maelor School

Health and Well-being

Boys athletics

Brief overview

This area of learning includes:

Aim of the departments

Within Health and Wellbeing our aims for our children are to become:

  • Ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives, setting themselves high standards and enjoying challenge.
  • Healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society. Building on their mental and emotional well-being, developing confidence, resilience and empathy. Learning about the impact of diet and exercise on physical and mental health. Taking part in physical activity. Developing positive relationships based upon trust and mutual respect.
  • Ethical, informed citizen of Wales and the world. Understanding the impact of their actions. Respecting the needs and rights of others.
  • Enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work. Think creatively and learn to solve problems.

Brief description of the structure of the curriculum

Pupils are taught by specialist teachers in PE and Food & Nutrition.

In Yr7 pupils are introduced to how the body responds to exercise in Unit 1 through a range of different sports and physical activities. In Unit 2 pupils learn how exercise impacts your mood mainly through athletics. In Yr8 pupils look at how they can be fitter and happier. In Yr9 pupils learn about the importance of exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.

In Years 10 & 11, all pupils have core Games lessons during which they can choose which sport or exercise they would like to take part in each week, to encourage their healthy lifestyle.

During the Personal Development Days, pupils in years 7 and 8 pupils are taught by specialist guest speakers and form tutors covering the following topics:

  • Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE)
  • Careers Education
  • Financial Education
  • Digital Citizenship
  • Health - Importance of Sleep, Hidden Sugar and Energy Drinks, Vaping, Alcohol, and Substance Misuse
  • First Aid
  • Staying safe online
  • Emotional Health and Well being
  • Anti-Social Behaviour
  • Body Image
  • Media Literacy - including stereotypes and the media, recognising misinformation and disinformation
  • Show Racism the Red Card

For Years 9 & 10, within the Agored Cymru qualification the following topics are included:

  • Sexual Relationships
  • Healthy Lifestyles
  • Exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance misuse
  • Effects of alcohol
  • Mental Health
  • Revision Skills
  • Understanding LGBTQ+
  • Understanding Stress

Pupils in Year 11 follow a bespoke programme which includes exam and study support, substance awareness, relationships and sexuality education, careers and work-related experiences and guidance and support on their ‘next steps’.


Girls playing netball
High school gymnastics
The Maelor School netball team

What qualifications are available in this AOLE?

  • GCSE PE
  • A Level PE
  • Agored Cymru Level 2 Extended Certificate in Personal, Social Education (2 B GCSE grades equivalent)

Extra-curricular opportunities available

A full range of extra – curricular opportunities are available throughout the year in a range of different sports and targeting a range of different abilities.

The Maelor School enters all regional Sporting Competitions.

The school offers extra PE sessions which are delivered by the 5x60 officer to students who may find PE more challenging during the usual curriculum time, these students also have the opportunity to compete in competitions with other schools in some alternative sports like Bocca.