“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)
Intent Statement
We aim to develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities necessary for physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing in our children, now and for their future. We aim to do this through a broad and balanced curriculum focussing on the development of the whole person. We aim to deliver high quality teaching and learning opportunities that inspire all children to succeed in physical activities. In line with the delivery of ‘British Values’ we want to teach children how to cooperate and collaborate with others, as part of a team, understanding fairness and equity of play to embed life–long values.
Physical Education is taught as a discrete subject through a range of competitive sports and games and physical education activities such as gymnastics and dance. Over the course of their time at St Gabriel’s, pupils will have the opportunity to play a range of sports including football, netball, hockey, tennis, cricket and rounders and take part in a range of athletic disciplines. Pupils have timetabled PE each week, with some sessions being taught by professional sports coaches. Children in Year 5 all have swimming lessons, taught by qualified coaches, at a local swimming pool. Children in Year 6 have the opportunity to attend an ‘adventurous activity’ residential – we currently use Robinwood at Todmorden. As well as nurturing essential life skills of independence and organisation, children are introduced to activities such as climbing, canoeing, indoor caving, zip wire and team problem solving.
In Early Years, children will have opportunities play both indoors and outdoors to develop their core strength, stability, balance, spatial awareness, co–ordination and agility through the Physical Development area of learning.
Healthy Lifestyles
Schools have an important role to play in reinforcing the importance of choices that lead to better health and good ‘eating’. At St Gabriel’s our curriculum gives children good knowledge about healthy living and how to pursue and achieve it. Children learn how their bodies work, why physical health is important and how to prepare food. They grow in competence in sport and physical pursuits.
In Early Years, children learn how to look after their bodies, including healthy eating, and managing their personal needs independently, through the Personal, Social & Emotional Development area of learning.
Intended Impact
During the children’s learning journey at St Gabriel’s, our intended impact of the PE and wider healthy lifestyles curriculum, is to ensure that 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
- lead healthy, active lives
- learn about the body and how to keep physically healthy
- learn about healthy eating and cooking (Science / Design and Technology)
