Intent

We know that PE is an integral part of our curriculum. We believe that the subject inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in physically-demanding activities and helps them to become confident in a way which supports their health and fitness throughout their lives. Therefore, we believe that our children should be physically active every day, whether through daily physical activity, PE lessons, breaktimes or extra-curricular activities.

At Thomas Fairchild, we also believe that children should have the opportunity to compete in sport and other activities that build character and help to embed values such as team-work, fairness and respect. We fully adhere to the aims of the National Curriculum for physical education to ensure that all children: develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities, are physically active for sustained periods of time, engage in competitive sports and activities and lead healthy, active lives.

Implementation

PE is taught as an area of learning in its own right as well as integrated where possible with other curriculum areas. It is taught through a minimum of two PE sessions per week. We teach lessons so that children: have fun and experience success in sport; have the opportunity to participate in PE at their own level of development; secure and build on a range of skills; develop good sporting attitudes; understand basic rules; experience positive competition; learn in a safe environment; and have a foundation for lifelong physical activity, leaving primary school as physically active. Our teachers are supported to deliver the curriculum by expert PE coaches, using a range of age appropriate and engaging activities from the PE Hub.

Impact

In order to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of our curriculum, we support teachers in their understanding of the expectations of the National Curriculum so that they are confident assessing pupils in every session taught. We use regular CPD to ensure that staff have a clear understanding of pupils’ next steps so they are able to plan and deliver lessons that respond to the individual needs of their pupils. Regular learning walks, pupil conferencing and lesson observations help our leaders maintain our high standards.

Enrichment

We aim to provide a variety of sporting opportunities. We provide a range of PE-related activities for children before school, during breaktime, lunchtimes and at the end of the school day. These encourage children to further develop their skills in a range of the activity areas and specific sports. These sporting clubs change each term in the school year. In addition, outside providers offer sports clubs after-school. As well as sporting opportunities within the school community, the schools also enter partnership and county sporting events. The children have opportunities to competitively play in a range of sports and activities. These experiences allow for children to apply their sporting skills, develop team skills and learn how to play competitively.