Our Vision for Physical Education
“A high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. It should provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect.” – National Curriculum 2014
At our school we aim to ensure all pupils:
We intend that all pupils have opportunities within the PE curriculum that will inspire and support them in many ways, feeding pupils’ mind, body and spirit. In partnership with our sports coach, GetSEt4PE resources and our team we strive to realise this.
High quality PE at St Mary’s allows pupils to have fun, be creative, cooperative and competitive both as individuals and in groups. Many activities taught in PE require pupils to work together to solve problems. These opportunities support the development of leadership and teamwork. Pupils can learn valuable lessons about accepting responsibility for their individual development leading to greater self-discipline and improved behaviour. They learn to develop the concept of fair play, honest competition, good sportsmanship and how to handle both success and defeat.
Through PE, the development of pupils’ motor skills and movement itself can heighten the function of the brain in turn improving subjects such as mathematics. The benefits on mental wellbeing are enormous and our aim is that through exercise anxiety, tension and stress will be eased and result in improved focus and happiness. We have also seen that PE can improve confidence in some pupils.
St Mary’s are fortunate to be situated less than four miles from Queen Elizabeth Olympic park where the 2012 London Olympic’s were held. This legacy will continue to inspire us and be a vehicle to challenge inequalities and inspire our pupils to ‘…be the best they can be.’
In KS1 and KS2 all children receive two hours of coaching/teaching per week. In EYFS physical activity is embedded into the school day. Other PE activities include: a block of swimming lessons for pupils in Year 4, cycling opportunities in Year 5 and a running club in Year 6 led by the Deputy Headteacher. With our sports coach leading on our wrap-around care provision, children attending extended day provision also have an additional opportunity to participate in physical activities. In collaboration with other local schools, some pupils will also get the opportunity to participate in competitive sports.
We know that physical activity improves pupil outcomes and behaviour. We continue to review our curriculum and activities to ensure that pupils at St Mary’s have the best physical education diet that we can serve.
If you would like any further information regarding GetSet4PE please visit the following website www.getset4pe.co.uk.