INTENT

Our vision is for all children at St John’s Primary School to experience excellent physical education and sport at school; that will lead to a positive relationship to physical activity, good fitness habits and association with sport, leading to a more active lifestyle and continuing to pursue sport and physical activity into their adulthood.

Our PE curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils develop the fundamental skills and competence to excel in a wide range of physical activities, by providing a broad and balanced curriculum with opportunities for all to be enjoyed. PE lessons have a child-centred approach, focusing on individual development – challenging themselves physically and socially, as well as integrating problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and evaluation skills.

A high-quality PE curriculum will develop physical literacy, allowing pupils to learn about themselves, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and self-expression. It also contributes to the development of a range of important cognitive skills and social skills.

The regular participation in physical activity and sport has many benefits including;

• physical fitness
• promoting good health
• instil self- discipline
• improve self- confidence
• reduce stress
• develop lifelong learning skills.

IMPLEMENTATION

A high-quality physical education curriculum can inspire all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. We are improving our programme of intra- and inter-school competitions, which will provide opportunities for pupils to participate in competitive sports and activities both in and beyond the curriculum. We will be developing our links to local clubs, which will help to generate positive interaction in the community, and ultimately create pathways for them to continue to be active beyond school. Children also have the opportunity to participate in locally run sports festivals, CVL (central venue leagues) and SASP run sporting events.

Swimming is an important life skill; we aspire for all children to leave St John’s being able to swim at least 25 metres.

There will also be opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles, they will have an active voice in sport that is offered at St John’s, help lead games and activities and roles in which they can build character and embed values such as fairness and respect. 

We understand the impact that the provision of a high-quality PE and school sport curriculum has on the whole school and that it can lead to whole school improvements. Developing pupil’s personal qualities through PE can affect their attitudes towards school and learning. When PE and school sport provision is of the highest quality, all pupils will, to the best of their abilities, develop and demonstrate the following personal qualities;

· A strong desire to learn and make progress,

· High levels of dedication, attendance and involvement in PE and school sport,

· Good levels of positive behaviour such as respect, fair play, and teamwork.

IMPACT

By implementing a monitoring and reviewing assessment system of PE, we can measure the impact and progress of the quality and provision within our school, which will lead to overall whole school improvement. PE is included as an integral part of our curriculum, with a level of progression to challenge and support each child appropriately, ensuring they develop the skills and knowledge required to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, whilst understanding the importance of exercising for both their physical and mental health.

We consider the key areas of learning at each key stage for assessment.

Key Stage 1 – Our aim is to develop fundamental movement skills in a fun and experimental way. We look to increase pupils’ confidence and competence across a wide range of activities and whilst playing both individually and as part of a team. We look to learn and master basic movement, with fine and gross motor skills, and apply these in a range of activities. We expect pupils to engage in team games, understanding simple tactics and rules, including attacking and defending principles. In gym and dance, we look to explore different movements and body control, putting them into simple patterns and routines.

Key Stage 2 – Following on from skills learnt in KS1, we strive for pupils to develop a wider range and depth of skills, selecting and combining movements and skills in specific sports and situations. We encourage competing, communicating and cooperating with each other, and show an understanding of how to evaluate both their individual success and teams’ performances. We teach more sport specific and competitive games, applying more in depth attacking and defending principles.

We look to compare the progress of children based on both local and regional levels, offering support where children need it and pushing others who show a given talent in certain areas.

We look to provide positive pathways for children to local clubs and organisations to allow them to further their sporting interests and enjoyment.

PE in the Early Years

From an early age, children are encouraged to move freely in a range of ways and they develop the confidence to experiment with different ways of moving. They develop the skills to demonstrate good control and co-ordination in large and small movements, negotiating space safely and confidently.

We hope children enjoy PE and develop a love of sport, and physical activity, which they will pursue outside school and in future life.