What is Physical Education

Physical Education (PE) is described “as the only curriculum subject whose focus combines the body and physical competence with values-based learning and communication, [which] provides a learning gateway to grow the skills required for success in the 21st Century”  - UNESCO, 2015

Through the eyes of our children, Physical Education is important because:

‘It helps us to understand why it is important o keep fit and active. It is important as it helps us to be creative when we  think of new games and develop our skills.’

Early Learning Goals

Children are given the opportunities through Physical development to promote and gain confidence in:

• communication and language
• personal, social and emotional development
• physical development
• aspects of expressive arts and design

National Curriculum

A high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities. It should provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect.

The national curriculum for physical education aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
• are physically active for sustained periods of time
• engage in competitive sports and activities
• lead healthy, active lives. 

Curriculum Intent

At St. Andrew’s we believe that a high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities. We aim for PE to  provide opportunities for our pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. We recognise that being physically active encourages them to become physically confident and develop a positive healthy lifestyle. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect .

The national curriculum for physical education aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
• are physically active for sustained periods of time
• engage in competitive sports and activities
• lead healthy, active lives.

Implementation

The teaching and implementation of the Physical Education curriculum at St. Andrew’s C.E. Primary School is based on the Early Learning Goals and National Curriculum and supported by expectations from Allison Milestones, ensuring a well-structured approach.

In essence, the school’s focus is on the:

· Cognitive

· Health

· Personal

· Physical.

These key concepts underpin learning in each unit. They enable pupils to reinforce and build upon prior learning, make connections and develop subject specific language. 

In PE children develop mobility, co-ordination and control through a variety of skills in Dance, Gymnastics, Games and Swimming. At St. Andrew’s we use a variety of teaching materials, such as Val Sabin and Rawmarsh Gymnastics Scheme, to ensure continuity and progression across the years. We arrange for our children to attend regular swimming sessions at our local outdoor lido, where tuition is given to pupils ranging from non-swimmers to more able pupils.  All children are required to be able to swim 25 metres.

In PE lessons, individual confidence is developed, together with attitudes required to work as a team. This area of the curriculum is partnered with the children's awareness and knowledge of their own bodies, and how to promote their physical and mental well-being.

Our PE Curriculum is taught over three terms each year and the curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills that are progressive as well as transferable.

At St. Andrew’s, we are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of a high-quality Physical Education curriculum through well planned and resourced activities and experiences. We have determined that Physical Education will taught in bespoke units across the school year.

Impact

Through the explicit teaching of the Physical Education skills, teachers and the children assess their learning continuously throughout the lesson. At the end of each unit, teachers complete unit evaluations, assessing attainment against the Allison milestones to make informed judgements about the depth of their learning and the progress children have made over time.