Physical Education

Why we teach P.E.

PE promotes children’s development in many different ways. The benefits of physical exercise to health and well-being are well-established, but the creativity, learning, collaboration  and enjoyment that are part of PE are hugely important too. 

To improve at a sport, children need to develop their skills, reflect on their performance, take instruction and guidance, and be prepared to take risks. Team sports encourage children to work together to solve problems and aim for a shared goal. We believe that children can learn these life skills through PE, and then apply them to lots of other areas of their lives. 

PE also includes competition, both in school and against other teams, through which children can put into practice the knowledge and skills they have learned in lessons, and also learn the importance of demonstrating respect for their opponents and team-mates. 

How we teach P.E

Our PE curriculum is carefully designed so that children are able to revisit sports and build on the knowledge and skills they have gained from previous years. Connections are made between sports, so that skills learned in one activity can be applied in another. 

Lessons are delivered in partnership with Team Theme, who provide specialist sports education for some classes. 

We are extremely fortunate to have our own swimming pool at Boughton Monchelsea, so our pupils are able to have swimming lessons for three terms each year, delivered by our swimming teachers. 

Our Curriculum Drivers in P.E.

Being Human

The social aspect of PE is a big part of what makes it so much fun! In lessons, children are encouraged to plan how they will work as a team, so all members of the group can work to their strengths and feel valued. In individual sports, children work together to observe each other and offer feedback so their peers can improve. 

The World

There are a range of opportunities for children to participate in competition in other settings, including primary and secondary schools, as well as local sport centres, such as Maidstone Hockey Club. 

Children also learn about inspirational sporting achievements from around the world in assemblies and via the sports notice board, as well as world-wide sporting initiatives to address issues such as racism, misogyny and homophobia.

Change

Change is a constant in sport, and through learning how to manage and respond to different situations, especially in competition, is where children can improve their decision-making and problem-solving skills. As they move through the school, pupils are given greater opportunities to develop leadership skills and support others. 

Exploration

Throughout their physical education, children are encouraged to be creative. As early as Reception class, they enjoy inventing games and teaching them to others, and then as they become more skilled in different disciplines, they learn how to apply their knowledge and skills creatively. This can be through designing routines and sequences in dance, gymnastics and swimming, planning fielding formations in cricket and rounders, or finding ways to beat an opponent in invasion games. 

How our curriculum is structured

EYFS

Children in reception class cover their PE knowledge and skills in a range of contexts, rather than via units on specific sports. Activities focus on safe, confident controlled movement, including dance, co-ordination and supporting others. 

Early sports skills include throwing and catching, ball skills and inventing and playing team games, so they are ready to move into specific sports sessions in KS1. 

Key Stage 1

In KS1 children begin units in individual sports, including football, netball, handball, athletics and rounders. Sessions focus on basic skills development, and key knowledge about the structure and rules of the sport. Games are played in small groups so children can apply their skills they have developed. 

In Year 2, children begin formal gymnastics and dance sessions, in which they develop movement, control and expression. 

Key Stage 2

The KS2 curriculum builds on the children’s knowledge and skills on the sports they are familiar with from KS1. As well as developing more sophisticated and intricate skills, they also explore strategy and tactics, and learn about the individual roles within a team. Lessons also make clear how ideas such as movement off the ball can be applied in lots of different sports. 

In gymnastics and dance, children increase their range of movements and techniques, and there is a greater emphasis on creating and refining routines and sequences. There are also units on fitness and orienteering. 

Swimming

In Reception, children learn how to enter and exit the water safely and confidently. They build confidence by moving around the pool, submerging and beginning to glide and float. In KS1 they learn to propel themselves with their feet by kicking with stretched legs, with and without swimming aids, and by using their arms underwater. 

In KS2 children learn formal strokes, including front crawl, breaststroke and butterfly, and refine and improve the movement and breathing for each stroke. They also work on synchronising movements with a partner, and learn self-rescue strategies. 

Enrichment

After school clubs are available for children throughout the school, which also prepare children for inter-school competition. Children take part in regular football and netball leagues, as well as mini-tournaments in a range of sports throughout the year. 

There are also sporting activities within school, including the mini-marathon and sports day, swimming gala, lunchtime competitions and class tournaments.