Intent: Why we teach PE
It is our intention at St. Mary’s to build a curriculum that enables children to develop knowledge, skills and vocabulary in a broad range of sporting activities, as well as developing values and transferrable life skills such as fairness and respect. At the core of what we do is the unique nature of every child. We must nurture their physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing by recognising and developing their God-given talents to their full potential. Our PE curriculum is based on an adapted model of the Early Years Framework and the National Curriculum. Progression documents have been introduced in order to build on the skills needed to meet the end of Key Stage objectives in the National Curriculum. Our long term plan is broad and balanced, allowing children to access a wide variety of high quality PE and sports provision.
Implementation: How we teach PE
The PE curriculum is taught through Progressive School Curriculum Document (PSCD), which is in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework (PD and EAD) and National Curriculum. This is used to aid teaching staff in their subject knowledge, organisation and delivery. Each class has access to two hours of high quality PE lessons every week (Year 1-6). These are taught by the class teacher and supported by our Sports Apprentice. Each lesson builds upon previous skills and allows focused time for these to become embedded.
Year 4 receive an intensive four week block of swimming lessons during the summer term. These lessons make up one of the designated two hours PE per week and run in parallel to striking and fielding and athletics topics which run throughout the summer term. Those children who do not meet the swimming requirements during this term are given subsequent opportunities in both Year 5 and Year 6 to further develop, practise and apply the skills needed.
We offer a range of sporting after school clubs run by outside agencies, including football for Year 3 and 4 children run by Radcliffe Borough Football Club and Karate for all age groups, run by Ipon Karate. These clubs are paid for by school and offer the opportunity to hone skills outside the school environment. These are enhanced with competitive sporting opportunities provided both within school via inter house competitions and borough-wide competitions in a variety of sports.
Impact : What PE gives to our children
Our children have a rapidly developing understanding of the benefits of leading healthy lifestyles. They are able to talk more confidently about the effects of exercise on their bodies and recognise the crucial role it plays in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They progress well throughout each year group, are eager to attend after school clubs and competitive sports events. Children have a greater awareness of different aspects of a PE lesson, such as warming up, skill development, skill application, warming down, reflection and evaluation. They also recognise the importance of sportsmanship and humility both in victory and defeat. We ensure that children with SEN and our PPG children also have the chance to participate and compete in inclusive events such as the Bury ‘Be Proud’ sports festival and Panathlon Events.
Assessments are based on teacher judgement, whereby, in each session, any children who are not meeting lesson objectives, and those who are exceeding and performing at a higher level are recorded and targeted for future support in subsequent lessons. These weekly assessments will not only inform future sessions but will also provide a half termly overview of children’s progress within their year group’s expected outcomes.
In the EYFS observations are recorded in the children’s personalised online learning journey- Tapestry. Pupils are assessed within EAD as well as PD. Progress is tracked and age related expectations are reported to parents at the end of the year. Pupil Voice plays an important role in the children’s enjoyment, engagement and development and crucially, within a lesson, children are given time to reflect on their learning and take part in self, peer and group feedback. We have fostered excellent relationships with local sports clubs and have the ability to signpost children who enjoy or have a particular aptitude in a specific sport to the appropriate club. This allows them to take to take a certain skill or interest beyond the classroom.