Physical Education

At Sexton’s Manor Primary School, Physical Education forms an integral part of our whole-school curriculum. We believe that regular physical activity is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing, which is why it is a key thread that runs throughout school life. We want all children — from the coordinated to the less coordinated, from the competitive to the non-competitive — to leave our school with a positive attitude towards physical activity and an enjoyment of being active.

Our PE curriculum encourages pupils to discover their own strengths, interests and preferences in a wide range of physical activities, helping them to develop the motivation to remain physically active now and in the future.

We aim to develop pupils who are confident team players, and Physical Education provides many opportunities for this. Whether working collaboratively to compete successfully in sport or creating and performing imaginative dance sequences together, children learn the importance of teamwork, cooperation and communication. Through these experiences, pupils develop social skills, an understanding of others’ strengths and weaknesses, and respect for one another.

Physical Education also supports the development of resilient learners. Pupils are encouraged to practise, persevere and improve their skills across a variety of physical activities. Children learn that through effort, determination and belief in themselves, they can improve and achieve their personal best.

PE is taught through a clearly sequenced curriculum with progression from Nursery through to Year 6. Pupils take part in a broad range of activities including games, gymnastics, dance, athletics and units focusing on fundamental movement skills. In Key Stage 2, pupils also participate in swimming, outdoor and adventurous activities, and units focused on developing fitness. Across all areas, pupils learn to acquire and develop skills, select and apply skills, evaluate and improve performance, and understand the importance of health and fitness.

Throughout the curriculum, pupils develop the fundamental movement skills of agility, balance and coordination. Children participate in two hours of Physical Education each week, take part in The Daily Mile, and have access to a range of extra-curricular sports clubs each term. Opportunities to compete in inter-school competitions are also available for those who wish to take part.

To ensure broad and balanced coverage of Physical Education, we use the Get Set 4 PE scheme of work, which is written by experienced teachers and provides high-quality resources to support planning, teaching and assessment. Where appropriate, dance units are adapted to link with school topics or other areas of the curriculum.