Intention

At St Thomas of Canterbury our Physical Education curriculum is to inspire all children to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities.

 Physical Education will provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities will be offered to all children in order to build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect. 

Through Physical Education we aim to develop the children’s knowledge, skills and understanding, so that they can perform with increasing confidence and competence in a range of physical activities. We aim to improve health and well-being, promote active participation and lifelong learning, and for each child to fulfil their potential. We aim to ensure that the children’s experience of Physical Education is positive and motivating and that children’s attitudes to a healthy lifestyle are firmly embedded in our curriculum.

As a result the children Respect and Value PE and Sport opportunities and are life lifelong learners.

Implementation

• Each child receives 2 hours of PE a week with specialist coaches or class teachers. We plan their sessions to cover a broad and full range of skills and activities. 
• Children in key stage 2 attend swimming lessons in a local pool. They learn to swim 25 metres competently and confidently in a range of strokes. Children also have the chance to be active in wide range of clubs. 
• In addition to PE in curriculum time, we also strive to provide opportunities for children to access extracurricular physical activity through a wide range of sporting and active clubs.  At both KS1 and KS2 we try and provide opportunities for all children to embed their skills from PE lessons in other activities to develop their learning.
• We teach in a way that children: 
• have fun and experience success in sport  
• can join in at their own level of development  
• build and secure a range of skills  
• develop good sporting attitudes  
• understand basic rules  experience positive competition  
• learn in a safe environment

Impact

All children receive a broad and balanced PE curriculum. Every child will access the all the key areas of the subject. Teachers plan PE with clear progression of skills and knowledge. This ensures that all children access it at an age-appropriate level. We also hold daily opportunities for physical activity. These include The Daily Mile and playground games at lunchtimes. The children can also take part in competitions against other local schools. EYFS In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children begin to improve their movement skills. Teachers begin to develop their agility, balance and coordination. Key stage 1 Pupils develop their movement skills. They extend their agility, balance and coordination. They engage in competitive and cooperative physical activities. These include games, dance and gymnastics. Key stage 2 Pupils continue to apply and develop a broader range of skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching. They use these skills in competitive games and performances. They also evaluate their own and others’ work. Pupils communicate and collaborate with each other. They learn how to improve in physical activities. There are many chances for children to take part in competitions in school and against other schools. We celebrate their successes. Cross curricular links Wherever possible, we make meaningful links to other areas of the curriculum. These links relate to children’s physical and mental wellbeing. We support small groups of children specifically to improve their fitness levels. They have additional PE time each week. The children have their own challenge. They enjoy taking responsibility for their own development over the course of a school term or school year.