Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.

John F Kennedy

PE Curriculum Intent

At All Saints Primary School we offer a high-quality Physical Education (PE) curriculum that 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 and promotes healthy, active lives. We deliver opportunities to compete in sports and other activities that build character and help to embed (fundamentally British) values such as fairness and respect. All Saints School offers a broad and balanced PE curriculum, allowing for enough differentiation to meet the variety of needs, ages, abilities and interests of the children.

Children are taught PE regularly by the class teacher from Reception to Year 6. The curriculum is further enhanced by participation in numerous sporting tournaments with other schools in the area and after-school clubs, for example girls’ football. Water safety is an important part of our PE curriculum, where Years 4–6 attend weekly swimming lessons for one term per year.  We follow the guidelines set by the National Curriculum to ensure we offer a range of PE activities that allow each child to feel challenged and offer opportunities to progress further.

At All Saints School the PE curriculum is ambitious and designed to give all pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils and including pupils with SEN and/or disabilities, the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. We use strategies from the NASEN guidance to support our scaffolding within PE teaching. This includes, but is not limited to, the following list: 

• visuals to be used eg: stop, run, jump

• ear defenders during hall time as it can be very noisy

• lights to be dimmed or off during certain times to not over stimulate children

• varying the size and adapting equipment to best suit the child’s needs

• adapting an activity to ensure all children can participate at any level. 

As part of our PE curriculum, children build upon prior skills throughout their primary school years. We have subscribed to the scheme of work ‘PE planning’ which provides continuity and progression between year groups.  This is underpinned by a set of All Saints PE Principles which feature in every lesson. The units of work  have been chosen to include a wide range of activities. For example, new activities introduced are golf and handball. Gymnastics, orienteering and dance are taught in every year group.  Each PE lesson includes the following elements: warm up, skill development, application and cool down. 

In EYFS, the pupils will demonstrate good control and coordination in small and large movements. Children will develop fundamental skills with confidence, safely negotiating space and trying new activities in the process. In Key Stage 1, pupils will develop fundamental movement skills, become progressively capable and confident, and access various opportunities to extend their agility, balance and coordination, individually and with their peers. Engaging in competitive and co-operative physical activities in a range of increasingly challenging situations is vital to their development. In Key Stage 2,  pupils will continue to apply and develop various skills, learning how to use them differently, and make actions and sequences out of movement. Pupils will enjoy communicating, collaborating and competing with others, and develop an understanding of how to recognise, evaluate, and improve their techniques.

By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study. At All Saints we use summative assessment to determine children’s understanding and inform teachers planning. 

How can I support my child with Physical Education?

        1. Organised Activities

Adults or children can organise active play. There are active indoor games such as Simon Says, and dozens of games to play outside — hopscotch, jump rope, dodgeball, badminton and volleyball. Depending on the season, plan trips to a local bowling alley, swimming pool or skating rink. Look into the options provided at school or at the local park for other organised activities.

2. Competitive Sports

Different children excel at and enjoy different types of activities. Experiment with team and individual sports and activities alike — from football and netball to ice skating and martial arts — to see which types of activity interest your child.

3. Make Fitness Part of Your Child's Day

If your children can walk, scoot or bike to and from school, they will get many of the physical and mental benefits of being active, while you save on trips to the petrol station. Walk or bike with your children, when you can, and organise a neighbourhood walking or bicycle-pool for days when you are not able to go with them.

4. Make Screen Time an Active Time

When going to play outside isn’t an option, your children can play interactive video games that require physical activity such as tennis, bowling or basketball. You also can use dance or fitness videos and active video games for some physically-active television time.