Intention Statement
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
At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School,we believe that physical education, experienced in a safe and supportive environment, is a unique and vital contributor to a pupil’s physical development and well-being. Our broad and balanced physical education curriculum is intended to provide for pupils’ increasing self-confidence in their ability to manage themselves and their bodies within a variety of movement situations. Progressive learning objectives, combined with sympathetic and varied teaching approaches, endeavour to provide stimulating, enjoyable, satisfying and appropriately challenging learning experiences for all of our pupils. Through the selection of suitably differentiated and logically developed tasks, it is intended that our children, irrespective of their innate ability, will enjoy success and be motivated to further develop their individual potential. Through lesson time, specialist coaching and our broad range of sports clubs, we support pupils in developing skilful use of the body, the ability to remember, repeat and refine actions and to perform them with increasing control, co-ordination, fluency and safety. We also support pupils in developing an increasing ability to select, link and apply skills, tactics and compositional ideas.
Children are encouraged to describe and make simple judgements on their own and others work, and to use their observations and judgements to improve performance. We believe in the importance of drawing cross-curricular links, and to this end, pupils are taught about the effects of exercise on the body in science as well as PE.
At St Mary’s Primary School, we promote an understanding of safe practice, and the development of a sense of responsibility towards a child’s own and others’ safety and well-being.
Implementation
At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Physical Education is delivered through a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum that meets the requirements of the National Curriculum for PE. Lessons are planned with clear learning objectives to develop pupils’ physical competence, confidence and enjoyment across a wide range of physical activities. Pupils benefit from high-quality teaching in a safe and supportive environment, enabling them to manage their bodies effectively and develop fundamental movement skills with increasing control, coordination and fluency.
The curriculum emphasises differentiated tasks and varied teaching strategies so that all pupils, regardless of ability, experience success and are motivated to improve. Alongside regular PE lessons, pupils have access to specialist coaching and a broad range of sports clubs, which enrich learning and extend physical experiences beyond the classroom. These opportunities support pupils to select, link and apply skills, tactics and compositional ideas in competitive and cooperative contexts.
Pupils are encouraged to evaluate their own and others’ performance, developing language to make judgements and identify areas for improvement. Cross-curricular links, such as teaching about the effects of exercise on the body in science, enhance understanding of the importance of physical health and well-being. PE planning and long-term sequencing are guided by the school’s PE long-term plan and supported by the Lancashire Scheme of Work, ensuring coverage and progression across all year groups.
Impact
At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Physical Education is delivered through a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum that meets the requirements of the National Curriculum for PE. Lessons are carefully planned with clear learning objectives to develop pupils’ physical competence, confidence and enjoyment across a wide range of physical activities. Teaching focuses on developing fundamental movement skills, agility, balance and coordination, enabling pupils to improve their performance and build resilience.
The curriculum is inclusive and accessible to all pupils, with lessons differentiated to ensure every child experiences success and challenge. Pupils are taught to select and apply skills, tactics and strategies in a variety of contexts, including individual, paired and team activities. Opportunities for reflection and peer evaluation help pupils understand how to improve their own and others’ performance.
In addition to high-quality PE lessons, pupils benefit from specialist coaching, competitive sporting opportunities and a wide range of extra-curricular clubs. These experiences enrich the curriculum and promote teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship. Cross-curricular links, including understanding the effects of exercise on the body, reinforce the importance of physical health and well-being.
Long-term planning and progression ensure pupils build on prior learning as they move through the school. Through consistent teaching, enrichment opportunities and positive role models, PE at St Mary’s promotes active lifestyles and supports pupils’ physical, emotional and social development.
Documentation
Sports Games Awards
