Physical Education
"Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches to you to know what it feels like to win and lose, it teaches you about life.’’ ~ Billie Jean King.
PE Team: Mr C Steen and Mr N Jones
Our Purpose:
At Rack House Primary School, our Physical Education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in sport and physical activity. It is designed to foster confidence, enjoyment, healthy participation and motor competence through a broad and engaging range of opportunities in lesson, in extra-curricular activity and in competition. In EYFS, Children develop agility, balance and coordination from an early age, learning to master fundamental movement skills both individually and in teams in line with Development Matters and their Early Learning Goals. As they progress into Key Stages 1 and 2, they apply these skills in increasingly complex and competitive contexts - building strength, control, flexibility, resilience and knowledge or a range of game rules and strategies. Our curriculum encourages children to collaborate, communicate and reflect, helping them understand how to improve and achieve their personal best. Through a wide variety of sports, dance, gymnastics, outdoor adventurous learning and swimming, pupils at Rack House grow in both physical confidence and character - ready to lead healthy, active lives. We aim to build a growth mindset through challenge and supported risk-taking in P.E. lessons, helping learners to manage setbacks and celebrate successes, thus promoting resilience and self-esteem.
National Curriculum Link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7c4edfed915d3d0e87b801/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Physical_education.pdf
Our Curriculum Overview:
PE Long Term Plan
How We Teach PE:
At Rack House, PE is delivered through structured, high-quality lessons which focus on developing fundamental movement skills in EYFS and KS1 and applying them in increasingly complex situations in KS2, whilst introducing a range of rules and offensive and defensive strategies. We follow a curriculum that is coherent and ambitious, ensuring pupils revisit and build on prior learning, while mastering skills across a range of physical disciplines.
Our trained P.E. coaches continuously engage class teachers in professional development by team-teaching alongside them, so all staff remain up-to-date with current best practices in pedagogy and physical activity. Our teaching strategies include adapted instruction to cater to varied ability levels, including SEND children, engaging activities, and clear learning objectives.
We maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment, utilising high-quality equipment and facilities. We regularly review our risk assessments and ensure that health and safety protocols are diligently followed. Each unit of work is purposeful, engaging and tailored to the needs of all learners, including those with SEND. We ensure PE lessons are inclusive, with adaptations made so all pupils can access the curriculum and achieve success.
Assessment in PE focuses on pupils’ ability to:
- Apply physical skills in a variety of contexts
- Work collaboratively and competitively
- Understand rules, tactics and strategies
- Evaluate performance and offer constructive feedback
- Make healthy lifestyle choices
Children are encouraged to reflect on their performance and progress, as well as develop an understanding of fair play and sportsmanship. We follow School Games Values, which are highlighted in lessons through the selection of a “Star Athlete” who has demonstrated these values. We provide enrichment opportunities through sports clubs, inter-school competitions, and links with local coaches and sports providers.
Swimming is an important part of our curriculum, with a focus on ensuring all pupils can swim at least 25 metres confidently by the end of Year 6. Year 3 begin swimming in Autumn 2, with the opportunity for targeted children to consolidate their skills in Years 4, 5, and 6, so that as many children as possible achieve their 25m.
We employ formative assessments by uploading evidence of children’s P.E lessons to SeeSaw, which allows teachers to track progress and give feedback. Assessments are aligned with the learning objectives and focus on skill acquisition, knowledge, and application in different contexts. We use Kahoot quizzes to test the children from Year 2 upwards on their sticky knowledge of vocabulary and rules and strategies. Year 1 receive paper assessments to adapt to their ability and needs.
The Results of Our Approach:
By the time they leave us, pupils will:
- Demonstrate competence across a range of physical activities.
- Understand the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.
- Display confidence, resilience and the ability to lead and collaborate.
- Show an understanding of tactics, fairness and respect in competitive contexts.
- Make positive choices that contribute to their physical and mental wellbeing.
The impact of our PE curriculum is evidenced through:
- Pupil Engagement: High levels of participation and enjoyment in PE lessons, clubs and sports events. Pupils take pride in developing their skills and value physical activity as part of their daily life. We actively engage with local sports clubs and organisations to enrich our P.E. curriculum and promote wider opportunities for our pupils. This collaboration extends beyond the classroom, fostering a community of health and sport.
- Character Development: Pupils develop the character and values needed to succeed beyond school – including perseverance, self-discipline, respect and teamwork. We follow School Games’ Sporting Values to support children in developing resilience and character and how to act like a good sportsperson.
- Physical Literacy: Children build a solid foundation of physical skills that support success in a wide range of sports and lifelong physical activity.
- Equity and Inclusion: All pupils, including Pupil Premium children, and those with SEND are supported to access high-quality PE and succeed in developing core skills and confidence.
- Healthy Lifestyles: Pupils show an understanding of how physical activity supports health and wellbeing. They are empowered to make informed decisions about active living both now and in the future.
Progression of Skills:
Useful Links:
- Team MCR
Manchester-based organisation offering school and community sports programmes, competitions, wellbeing workshops and leadership opportunities.
- School Games
https://www.yourschoolgames.com/
A national programme putting sport and physical activity at the heart of schools, offering competitions, sports resources, inclusion and recognition schemes.
- Youth Sport Trust
https://www.youthsporttrust.org/
A UK children’s charity focused on improving education, wellbeing and development through sport and play, providing programmes, school support and free resources.
- Swim England
https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/
The national governing body for swimming in England, promoting swimming, helping people learn, supporting clubs/coaches and overseeing safety and inclusion.
- Bikeability
The government-funded cycle-training programme in England teaching children and families how to cycle safely on roads (through different levels) and providing family-oriented training.