Intent

At Samlesbury C of E Primary School, we believe that Physical Education, experienced in a safe and supportive environment, is a vital contributor to every child’s physical development, well-being, and personal growth. Physical Education is unique in that it focuses on the development of the body, but its benefits reach much further: enhancing mental health, building resilience, developing teamwork, and nurturing children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Through PE, we encourage children to let their light shine by growing in confidence, building resilience and learning to support others - living to do good, to lead with kindness and care for their physical and mental wellbeing. 

Our curriculum aims to ensure that all children become physically literate, with the knowledge, skills and motivation to lead active, healthy lifestyles now and in the future. We want every pupil to enjoy movement, feel confident in their abilities and discover sports and activities that they can take with them for life.

Through PE, children learn to:

  • Develop physical competence, strength, stamina, and flexibility.
  • Build confidence by taking on challenges as individuals, in pairs, and as part of a team.
  • Think tactically, creatively and reflectively when planning and evaluating performances.
  • Understand the importance of a healthy body and mind, recognising the impact of physical activity on long-term well-being.
  • Show fairness, respect, and responsibility through competitive and non-competitive sport.
  • Take on different roles, including leadership, officiating, and coaching.

Our intent is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that not only fulfils the National Curriculum requirements but also inspires a lifelong love of movement, sport, and physical activity. By the time they leave us, pupils will be physically literate, confident in their abilities, and motivated to stay active throughout their lives.

 

Implementation

Our PE curriculum is carefully planned to be progressive, inclusive, and engaging for all pupils.

  • Curriculum Design:
    • Every child receives at least two sessions of high-quality PE each week.
    • We draw on a range of schemes of work, including the Lancashire PE Passport, which offers a clear progression of fundamental movement and sport-specific skills from EYFS to Year 6. This allows us to design a curriculum that is both bespoke to our pupils’ needs and engaging for their enjoyment.
    • By revisiting core games and activities in every class, children are able to build on prior learning, strengthen their understanding of progression, and deepen their knowledge of rules throughout their primary school journey.
  • Early Years & Key Stage 1:
    • EYFS pupils take part in sessions focusing on fundamental movement skills such as balance, coordination, agility and ball skills.
    • KS1 children develop these foundations further through multi-skills activities and early introductions to games, dance and gymnastics.
  • Key Stage 2:
    • Pupils progress to more structured sports, team games, dance and gymnastics, developing tactical awareness, creativity and resilience.
    • Specialist teaching is provided in dance and gymnastics across KS2 to enhance provision.
  • Swimming:
    • Swimming is taught every year in KS2 (a full term of weekly lessons in Years 3 and 4), with additional booster sessions in Year 5/6 for pupils who need support to meet national requirements.
  • Extra-Curricular Provision:
    • A variety of lunchtime and after-school clubs are offered, including competitive and non-competitive activities.
    • Our children regularly take part in inter-house competitions, festivals, and tournaments within our school cluster.
    • We provide pathways to local clubs, ensuring talented pupils are signposted to opportunities to develop further.
  • Whole-School Physical Activity:
    • We actively encourage children to be physically active beyond PE lessons. This includes the Daily Mile, structured lunchtime activities and playground buddies leading games.
    • Our running track is available at break and lunch times to promote regular physical activity.
  • Inclusion and Support:
    • PE is inclusive for all pupils. We follow the S.T.E.P. approach (Space, Task, Equipment, People) to adapt activities to suit different needs and abilities.
    • All pupils, including those with SEND, are supported to access and succeed in PE, with adapted resources, targeted adult support and differentiated activities.
  • PE & Sport Premium:
    • We use funding to bring in qualified coaches, enhance resources, broaden the range of activities offered and build sustainability through staff training.
    • Details of how we use this funding and its impact are published annually on our website.

 

Impact

We measure the impact of our PE curriculum in a number of ways:

  • Pupil Outcomes:
    • Pupils develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate in a broad range of physical activities.
    • Children meet National Curriculum expectations in PE, including swimming.
    • Pupils demonstrate resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills that they can apply beyond sport.
  • Health and Well-being:
    • Children are more active throughout the school day and make healthy lifestyle choices.
    • Pupils understand the importance of exercise for both body and mind.
  • Engagement and Enjoyment:
    • High participation rates in PE lessons, after-school clubs, and inter-house competitions.
    • Children talk positively about PE and demonstrate enthusiasm for physical activity.
  • Lifelong Participation:
    • Pupils discover sports and activities they enjoy and are signposted to community clubs to continue their involvement outside of school.
  • Recognition and Achievement:
    • The school holds the School Games Mark reflecting our strong commitment to PE and sport.
    • Children of all abilities celebrate success through performance, personal bests, competition and leadership opportunities.

Ultimately, the impact of our PE curriculum is that children leave our school physically literate, resilient, and motivated to lead healthy, active lives. They understand the joy of sport, the importance of fitness, and the value of respect, teamwork and perseverance - qualities that will support them in all aspects of life.