Physical Education

EYFS: Pupils develop their physical development skills.

We recognise the importance of physical development in the Early Years Foundation Stage as a key area of learning. Children in the EYFS access time and space to enjoy energetic play daily in the outdoor learning area. The children also access specific physical development through timetabled PE lessons in Nursery and Reception, which give the children the opportunity to learn and practise fundamental movement skills. The timetabled sessions are enriched through careful and progressive planning, including cross curricular elements: for example when they were learning about 'Jack and the Beanstalk' in English, the children used the climbing apparatus as a beanstalk. They participate in activities where they can practise moving in different ways and at different speeds; balancing; rolling, throwing balls and bean bags; catching and kicking. Children are given the opportunity to experience physical education in a fun, engaging way; this was displayed when Reception participated in their 'Arctic Day', which enriched the overarching concept: Understanding the world: Geography, Arctic. They were exposed to Arctic Day skiing; walking in big snow boots and pulling a sleigh whilst wearing a backpack.

KS1: Pupils are taught to develop fundamental movement skills.

Within Key Stage One, children develop their fundamental movement skills through a range of activities and opportunities, where children work individually in pairs or in groups. We cover key aspects such as gymnastics, dance, games and athletics. We follow the National Curriculum for P.E. in Key Stage 1. When children leave Key Stage 1, we expect them to be able to master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and co-ordination, and begin to apply these in a range of activities. They participate in team games, whilst developing simple tactics for attacking and defending. Children are also given the opportunity to perform dances using simple movement patterns.

KS2: Pupils continue to apply and develop a broader range of skills.

We follow the National Curriculum for P.E. within Key Stage Two. Children continue to apply and develop a range of skills, learning how to use them in different ways and to link them to make actions and sequences of movements. They continue to use the skills individually but also develop cooperation through games. This will include a further focus on choices and tactics within a game. We explore a wide range of sports and activities such as basketball, tennis, athletics, skipping and a range of games skills. Children also learn to swim while in Key Stage 2.