Physical Education
Intent
At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, it is our intent that all children will be ‘lifelong participants’ in sport, with the skills and abilities to apply their learning to a range of different sports or activities. As a school and staff, we share the vision that Physical Education is not only important for children’s physical health but also their mental health. With the ever-increasing demands put on young children, Physical Education should be a way for the children to truly express themselves. No matter what the purpose, Physical Education and sport supports team building skills and helps to maintain fitness and vigour, self-esteem and confidence. Our curriculum aims to improve the wellbeing and fitness of all children at St Mary’s, not only through the sporting skills taught, but through the underpinning values and disciplines Physical Education promotes.
Implementation
The PE curriculum is taught through the use of the GetSet4PE, which is in-line with the National Curriculum, and is used to aid teaching staff in their subject knowledge and planning of PE. Teachers are able to adjust and change lessons to suit the needs of their classes but the scheme provides a strong basis of what is expected in each year group. The curriculum map sets out the PE units which are to be taught throughout the years and ensures that the requirements of the National Curriculum are fully met and that progression is clear year on year. Pupils participate in two high quality PE lessons each week, alongside the chance to partake in various after-school clubs and lunchtime activities.
Throughout the year (and across all year groups), children are invited to attend competitive sporting events within the local area and further if successful. This is an inclusive approach which endeavours to encourage not only physical development but also mental well-being. These events also develop teamwork and leadership skills and are very much enjoyed by the children.
Sports Leaders also play a fundamental role in sport across the school. They develop into sporting role models for the younger children, by running/assisting lunch time clubs and encouraging all children to participate in active playtimes. Children in Years 3, 4 and 5 also swim once a week for a term each to ensure that by Year 6 they are all able to swim 20m and perform self-rescue.
Impact
Our curriculum aims to improve the wellbeing and fitness of all children at St Mary’s; not only through the sporting skills taught, but through the underpinning values and disciplines that PE promotes. Through our lessons, we promote the overall well-being and health of each child through teaching about self-discipline and that to be successful you need to take ownership and responsibility of your own health and fitness. We equip our children with the necessary skills and a love for sport. They will hopefully grow up to live happy and healthy lives utilising the skills and knowledge acquired through the quality and enthusiasm with which PE is taught here at St Mary’s.