“The sky has no limits. Neither should you.” – Usain Bolt
Why do we teach PE?
At Southill Primary School, our commitment to physical education (PE) stems from a deep passion for nurturing the physical development and mental wellbeing of our students. We firmly believe in the importance of leading healthy lifestyles, and as such, we actively encourage and engage our students in various physical activities through a multifaceted approach. We aim to:
- develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
- are physically active for sustained periods of time (before, during and after school)
- engage in competitive sports and activities
- lead healthy, active lives
One of our primary avenues for promoting physical well-being is our PE curriculum. We have designed a comprehensive program that not only imparts essential physical skills but also instills a lifelong love for physical activity. Through carefully crafted lessons, we aim to develop our students’ physical prowess, coordination, and teamwork skills. In addition to structured PE lessons, we extend our commitment to fostering an active lifestyle through extracurricular activities. Our sports clubs provide students with additional opportunities to explore and excel in various avenues, cultivating a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship. ‘Fitness Thursdays’ is an integral components of our initiative to incorporate regular physical exercise into our students’ routines, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
We believe in providing a platform for our students to showcase their physical talents. We actively participate in various competitions and festivals in the local area, offering opportunities for our students to demonstrate their skills and compete at different levels. This commitment to excellence was reflected in our attainment of the Gold School Games mark in the 2022-2023 academic year, a testament to the effectiveness of our PE curriculum and the numerous opportunities we provide for our students. Celebrating our students’ sporting achievements is an essential aspect of our approach. We showcase their successes through class blogs and assemblies, creating an environment of pride and accomplishment. This recognition not only acknowledges individual efforts but also reinforces the importance of perseverance and dedication. By sharing these achievements, we aim to inspire and motivate all students to actively participate in physical activities and pursue their interests in sports.
P.E. is taught at Southill as an area of learning in its own right (as well as integrated within other curriculum areas wherever possible). It is taught at a minimum of one extended PE session a week, or two sessions per week wherever possible.
What do we want children to know and do?
Southill Primary School is dedicated to fostering a sense of delight in staying active. We teach lessons so that children:
- Have fun and experience success in a wide range of sports
- Have the opportunity to participate in P.E at their own level of development
- Secure and build on a range of skills
- Develop positive sporting attitudes
- Understand basic rules in a wide range of games and activities
- Experience positive and healthy competition
- Learn in a safe environment
- Have a foundation for lifelong physical activity, leaving primary school as physically active and with a positive attitude towards exercise and looking after their physical and mental health.
Our goal is to empower all students with the skills and attitudes necessary to make informed choices about their health. We are committed to expanding children’s horizons by providing ample opportunities for practicing and honing new skills. At Southill, we firmly believe that every child can find joy in physical activity, and we are resolute in our efforts to ensure that each child develops a passion for being active.
How do we teach PE?
At Southill Primary School, our approach to teaching Physical Education (PE) is carefully structured to cater to the developmental needs of our students at different stages. The implementation of our PE curriculum is designed to progressively build on skills, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience.
In the early years, children embark on their PE journey in Reception, where the focus lies on achieving the Early Learning Goals for physical development. Through engaging activities, children begin to explore and develop their physical abilities in a playful and supportive environment, laying the foundation for a positive attitude towards physical activity.
Moving into Key Stage One, our students shift their focus towards developing fundamental movement skills (FMS). Through a diverse array of fun and exciting sporting challenges, children are encouraged to refine their coordination, balance, and agility. The emphasis is on creating an enjoyable and inclusive atmosphere, fostering a love for physical activity from an early age.
As children progress into Key Stage Two, their PE education becomes more specialised. While continuing to hone their FMS, students are introduced to a broad range of both traditional and non-traditional sports. This diversity allows them to explore various physical pursuits, encouraging a holistic understanding of fitness and well-being.
Moreover, the curriculum in Key Stage Two incorporates principles of attacking and defending, particularly in invasion games. Students learn strategic thinking and teamwork, developing not only physical skills but also important social and cognitive abilities. The introduction of these elements enriches the PE experience, promoting a deeper engagement with the subject.
To provide a well-rounded PE experience, Southill Primary School goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Outdoor adventurous activities become an integral part of the curriculum, especially during residentials. These activities include orienteering, climbing, tunneling, abseiling, and even surfing. Such experiences not only promote physical fitness but also instill resilience, teamwork, and a sense of adventure.
In essence, our PE curriculum at Southill Primary School evolves with the developmental stages of our students. Starting with the foundational Early Learning Goals in Reception, progressing through the fundamental movement skills in Key Stage One, and culminating in a diverse and specialized exploration of sports in Key Stage Two, we aim to create an inclusive and enriching environment that nurtures a lifelong love for physical activity. The incorporation of outdoor adventurous activities further enhances our students’ physical, social, and emotional development.
