Physical Education

Rationale

At Pensby Primary School, we believe that Physical Education is an essential part of every child’s education and contributes significantly to their physical, social, emotional and mental well-being. Through a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to lead healthy, active lifestyles both now and in the future.

Our PE curriculum is designed to inspire all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. Through high-quality teaching and a wide range of sporting experiences, pupils develop competence in fundamental movement skills, become physically confident and learn how to evaluate and improve their own performance. Opportunities for competition, teamwork and leadership help pupils develop resilience, respect, determination and sportsmanship.

The curriculum builds progressively from the development of core movement skills in Key Stage One to more complex sport-specific techniques, tactical awareness and health-related fitness in Key Stage Two. Swimming, dance, gymnastics, games and outdoor challenges provide a rich and varied experience that enables every child to discover activities they enjoy and can pursue throughout their lives.

By the time pupils leave Pensby Primary School, they will have developed the knowledge, skills and understanding required to participate confidently in a range of physical activities, appreciate the importance of physical activity for physical and mental health, and possess the motivation to remain active throughout their lives.

PE Long Term Planning

Progression of Knowledge and Skills in PE

Key Stage One

In Key Stage One, pupils develop the fundamental movement skills that form the foundation for all future physical activity. They learn to move safely and confidently through activities that develop agility, balance and coordination. Pupils begin to work independently and with others, developing confidence, cooperation and communication skills across a range of sports and games.

Knowledge

The importance of warming up and cooling down.
Basic rules and safety expectations within PE lessons.
How physical activity helps keep the body healthy.
Simple tactics for attacking and defending in games.
How to perform movements safely and with control.

Skills

Running, jumping, hopping, skipping and balancing skills.
Throwing, catching, rolling, kicking and striking techniques.
Body control, balance and coordination in gymnastics.
Expressive movement and rhythm through dance and yoga.
Simple game skills including attacking, defending and teamwork.

Lower Key Stage Two

In Lower Key Stage Two, pupils refine and combine fundamental movement skills and begin applying them more consistently within competitive situations. They develop greater control, accuracy and confidence while learning sport-specific skills and tactics.

Knowledge

How exercise affects the body.
Rules, tactics and strategies within different sports.
How to evaluate their own and others’ performances.
The importance of perseverance and fair play.
How to improve performance through practice.

Skills

Greater accuracy in throwing, catching, striking and kicking.
Control and fluency in gymnastic sequences.
Tactical awareness in invasion, net and wall, and striking and fielding games.
Swimming skills and water safety knowledge.
Performance skills in dance and expressive movement.

Upper Key Stage Two

In Upper Key Stage Two, pupils develop advanced skills, tactical awareness and leadership qualities. They become increasingly independent learners who can analyse performance, make strategic decisions and apply skills confidently across a range of activities.

Knowledge

The relationship between exercise, fitness and health.
More advanced tactics and strategies in team and individual sports.
How different components of fitness contribute to performance.
Leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
How physical activity supports lifelong health and wellbeing.

Skills

Consistent and accurate sport-specific techniques.
Strategic decision-making in competitive situations.
Leadership and officiating skills.
Complex gymnastic sequences and partner work.
Collaboration, communication and resilience.
Independent evaluation and improvement of performance.