PE

INTENT:

Physical Education at St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School provides every child with the opportunity to develop physically, emotionally and socially through a broad and engaging curriculum. We believe that positive experiences in PE can have a lasting impact on children’s health, wellbeing and self-confidence, equipping them with the skills and attitudes needed to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Our curriculum aims to nurture a love of physical activity by exposing pupils to a wide variety of sports, games and movement experiences. Through participation in PE, children learn the value of commitment, perseverance, teamwork and respect whilst developing the confidence to challenge themselves and celebrate success. We recognise that every child arrives with different experiences and starting points; therefore, our curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils can participate fully, experience achievement and develop a positive relationship with physical activity.

Alongside physical development, PE contributes significantly to children’s wider personal growth. Opportunities to communicate, collaborate and lead are woven throughout the curriculum, enabling pupils to strengthen their social skills and emotional resilience. Through competitive sport, outdoor learning and enrichment experiences, children broaden their horizons, develop cultural capital and gain an appreciation of the important role that physical activity plays within society.

Guided by our mission statement, ‘Love like Jesus, Learn like Jesus, Live like Jesus’, pupils are encouraged to demonstrate fairness, humility, kindness and integrity in every aspect of Physical Education.

IMPLEMENTATION:

Organisation and Curriculum Coverage:

The PE curriculum is carefully planned to provide a progressive journey of learning from the Early Years through to Year 6. Knowledge, skills and vocabulary are sequenced to ensure that children continually build upon previous learning whilst developing increasing competence, confidence and independence.

Throughout their time at St Stephen’s, pupils engage in a broad range of activities including fundamental movement, gymnastics, dance, athletics, invasion games, net and wall games, striking and fielding activities, outdoor and adventurous learning and swimming. These experiences allow children to develop agility, balance, coordination and control whilst applying these skills in a variety of contexts.

Learning is delivered through practical, active experiences that encourage participation, exploration and reflection. Children are supported to analyse performance, solve problems, make decisions and work effectively with others. Through discussion and evaluation, pupils develop the language and confidence needed to communicate ideas, provide feedback and celebrate achievement.

Inclusion sits at the heart of our PE provision. Lessons are adapted to ensure that all pupils can access learning and achieve success regardless of ability, confidence or previous experience. Additional support and challenge are provided where appropriate so that every child is able to make progress and feel valued as part of the learning process.

A rich programme of extra-curricular clubs, competitions, festivals and sporting events further enhances the curriculum. These opportunities enable children to represent the school, experience healthy competition and develop aspirations beyond the classroom. Through these wider experiences, pupils gain valuable life skills, strengthen their sense of belonging and develop an understanding of how sport can positively influence both physical and mental wellbeing.

IMPACT:

By the time pupils leave St Stephen’s, they have developed the knowledge, skills and motivation needed to participate confidently in a range of physical activities. They understand the benefits of an active lifestyle and recognise the importance of maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing.

Children demonstrate increasing resilience, self-belief and determination when faced with challenge. They are able to work cooperatively, communicate effectively and show respect for others, applying these qualities both within PE and across the wider curriculum.

Participation in a wide range of sporting and enrichment opportunities ensures that pupils leave primary school with experiences that have broadened their understanding of the world and strengthened their cultural capital. They value teamwork, celebrate diversity and appreciate the positive impact that sport and physical activity can have on individuals and communities.

Children at St Stephen’s enjoy Physical Education, take pride in their achievements and develop the confidence to embrace new challenges. As a result, they leave our school prepared to lead healthy, active and purposeful lives.