Physical Education

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Physical education develops pupils’ physical competence and confidence, and their ability to use these to perform in a range of activities. It promotes physical skilfulness, physical development and knowledge of the body in action. Physical education provides opportunities for pupils to be creative, competitive and to face up to different challenges as individuals and in groups and teams. It promotes positive attitudes towards active and healthy life styles. Pupils learn how to think in different ways to suit a wide variety of creative, competitive and challenging activities. They learn how to plan perform and evaluate actions, ideas and performances to improve their quality and effectiveness. Through this process pupils discover their aptitudes, abilities and preferences, and make choices about how to get involved in lifelong physical activity.

Physical activity not only improves health, reduces stress and improves concentration, but also promotes correct physical growth and development. Exercise has a positive influence on academic achievement, emotional stability and interaction with others. Therefore both teachers and children should be aware of its importance. PE develops the children’s knowledge, skills and understanding, so that they can perform with increasing competence and confidence in a range of physical activities. We should provide the broad and balanced programme of physical education and have activities designed to be enjoyable, vigorous, purposeful and regular. Through providing positive experiences, a lifelong interest in physical activity is encouraged, as well as promoting positive attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle.

Intent

At Wheatfield Primary School we aim to instill a passion for PE and sports to ensure that every child has the opportunity to be the best they can in their PE lessons, sport and active playtimes. Thus, enabling them to live healthy and active lifestyles.

Our PE curriculum is taught through discrete lessons. Our aim in physical education and sport is to teach our pupils new skills and show them how to improve in a safe and stimulating environment. By providing a wide variety of sporting opportunities both in school and off site, our pupils will become healthy and active young people ready for the next stage of their lives.

Implementation

Our PE lessons at Wheatfield Primary School are devised from the Primary PE Planning online Platform. They allow for a consistent delivery and structure across the school. The planning has been developed so that progression is built into the scheme (an exciting learning journey from Early Years through to KS2). This ensures our children are increasingly challenged, inspired and motivated in ALL PE lessons. We believe that mastery is paramount allowing ALL children to feel confident and motor competent when learning key skills. The curriculum provides a foundation from Early Years to Key 2 for an ongoing development of Physical Literacy. Our children receive an inclusive, broad and balanced programme of PE. The curriculum is mapped to ensure that children participate in a wide range of activities.

Our planning is structured through the short, medium and long terms. Children have the opportunity to develop their skills, develop/build on knowledge & understanding while challenging all abilities. We strongly believe motor competence is key. Children are given clear learning goals and expectations. The children are also able to develop cognitive skills such as decision making and analysis of performance. Many lessons also have accompanying videos which model powerful demonstrations and through these the children develop a picture of what success looks like and can focus towards it.

We focus on the three pillars of progression:

Motor competence – knowledge of the range of movements that become increasingly sport- and physical activity-specifi
Rules, strategies and tactics – knowledge of the conventions of participation in different sports and physical activities
Healthy participation – knowledge of safe and effective participation

We are also pleased to be able to offer our YR 2, 4 and 6 children swimming lessons at The Forest School pool. These year groups have a term dedicated to swimming lessons matched to the child’s confidence and ability. We also have a range of extra-curricular clubs including street dance, football and tennis. At lunchtime, our children are also able to access a range of adult-led sports.

Impact

PE is an essential part of the curriculum and through our PE lessons children develop their physical literacy and key skills giving them the tools to become physically confident and motor competent. Our High-Quality PE curriculum focuses on the whole child, developing their physical, social and thinking skills. Our PE is provided in a safe and supportive environment and is vital and unique in its contribution to a child’s physical and emotional development and health and wellbeing.

We provide opportunities for the children to compete against themselves and others during PE lessons, building character and developing key values including fair play, respect, communication, collaboration, commitment, leadership and teamwork.