Physical Education
Intent
Our physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities. It provides opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities helps pupils build character and embeds our school values such as determination and respect.
Through participation in Physical Education, we aim 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
Curriculum structure & sequencing
As a school, PE provides challenging and enjoyable learning through a range of sporting activities including; invasion games, net and wall games, strike and field games, gymnastics, dance, swimming and outdoor and adventure.
Content & concepts
We maintain strong links to the National Curriculum guidelines to ensure all pupils participate in high quality PE lessons each week, covering two sporting disciplines each half-term. In addition, children are encouraged to participate in the varied range of extra-curricular activities (eg. hockey, football, netball, multi-skills, dance). Outdoor and Adventure activities take place through Forest school and Residentials in Key Stage Two.
Enrichment and personal development
Children are invited to attend competitive sporting events within the local area. This is an inclusive approach which endeavours to encourage not only physical development but also mental well-being. These events also develop teamwork and leadership skills and are very much enjoyed by the children. Where appropriate we use outside providers, inter-school competition, extra-curricular activity opportunities and visits from high-level athletes to excite and intrigue our children to find out more about themselves and to push the limits of their abilities to the utmost. We aim to give our children as much opportunity to explore personal health, become competitive individually or within a team and to understand the importance of PE and exercise in becoming a healthy citizen of their local and wider community.
Assessment and next steps
Through the quality first teaching of PE taking place, we will see the impact of the subject in different ways. Through pupil voice, children will be able to talk about the skills and knowledge they have acquired. Children will be engaged in PE lessons and want to find out more. Participation will show that a range of fundamental skills are being covered, cross curricular links are made where possible and differentiated outcomes set where appropriate. Assessments and monitoring will show standards in PE will be high and will match standards in other subject areas.
Physical Education in the Early Years Foundation Stage
Physical Education in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is an integral part of children’s Physical Development, one of the seven key areas of learning outlined in the EYFS framework and supported by the non-statutory guidance provided by Development Matters. Physical Education strands are set out in the early learning goals of ‘Physical Development’
At St. Joseph’s, we believe physical activity is vital in children’s all-round development, enabling them to pursue happy, healthy and active lives. Gross and fine motor experiences develop incrementally throughout early childhood, starting with sensory explorations and the development of a child’s strength, co-ordination and positional awareness. By creating games and providing opportunities for play both indoors and outdoors, adults can support children to develop their core strength, stability, balance, spatial awareness, co-ordination and agility.
Development Matters guides educators in facilitating gross motor skills providing the foundation for developing healthy bodies and social and emotional well-being. Fine motor control and precision helps with hand-eye co-ordination, which is later linked to early literacy. Repeated and varied opportunities to explore and play with small world activities, puzzles, arts and crafts and the practice of using small tools, with feedback and support from adults, allow children to develop proficiency, control and confidence.
Impact
At St. Joseph’s, we believe 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 purpose of teaching Physical Education is to give children the tools and understanding required to make a positive impact in their own physical health and well-being. Children who experience a wide variety of sports and physical skills will find it enhances life-long fitness, life choices and career opportunities. PE challenges and promotes self-esteem through the development of physical confidence, resilience, perseverance and a positive mindset. It teaches children to cope with both success and failure in competitive, individual and team based physical activities.