- PE Curriculum Overview (91.12KB)
National curriculum in England: PE programmes of study
‘Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect.’
The Primary National Curriculum Framework 2014
Aims
At Abbey CE VA Primary School, our aim is to inspire all pupils to enjoy physical activity and develop a lifelong commitment to sport and exercise. We believe that Physical Education plays a vital role in promoting healthy, active lifestyles and developing pupils’ physical literacy. Our curriculum aims to ensure every child develops competence in a broad range of physical activities, engages in competitive sports, and understands the importance of leading healthy, active lives. We strive to create confident participants in physical activity who understand the benefits of exercise and can compete with respect and sportsmanship.
How We Teach Physical Education
Our approach to teaching PE is inclusive and engaging, ensuring all pupils have regular opportunities to develop their physical skills, participate in team sports, and understand the principles of health and fitness. Lessons that are taught by our PE lead are carefully structured from Get Set for PE to develop both physical skills and sporting knowledge, with an emphasis on active participation and progression. Pupils are also taught by an external company called Non-Stop Action, who use their own planning based on the National Curriculum. Pupils in KS2 are taught swimming and water safety by qualified coaches at our local Secondary School.
PE is delivered through:
- Structured skill development sessions
- Team games and competitive activities
- Gymnastics and dance
- Swimming and water safety
- Outdoor and adventurous activities
- Sports day and inter-school competitions
- Links with local sports clubs and coaches
PE lessons focus on developing fundamental movement skills in the early years, progressing to more complex sports-specific skills as pupils move through the school. We create opportunities for both participation and competition, ensuring all pupils can succeed and challenge themselves.
Assessment focuses on skill development, participation, and understanding of tactics and strategies. We encourage pupils to evaluate their own and others’ performances and suggest improvements.
What Skills and Knowledge Will Your Child Learn?
Throughout their time at Abbey, pupils develop essential physical skills and knowledge. In the early years, children focus on fundamental movement skills through active play and structured activities. They begin to develop coordination, balance, and basic motor skills.
As they progress, pupils develop skills across key areas:
Games and Sports:
- Team games (football, netball, cricket, hockey)
- Individual sports (athletics, tennis)
- Striking and fielding skills
- Net and wall game skills
- Invasion game tactics
- Rules and strategies
- Fair play and sportsmanship
Gymnastics:
- Balance and coordination
- Sequences and routines
- Using apparatus safely
- Floor work skills
- Partner work
- Performance skills
- Evaluation and improvement
Dance:
- Movement patterns and sequences
- Rhythm and timing
- Expression through movement
- Different dance styles
- Choreography skills
- Performance techniques
- Working with others
Swimming and Water Safety:
- Water confidence
- Different strokes
- Water safety knowledge
- Personal survival skills
- Swimming techniques
- Safe self-rescue
Health and Fitness:
- Understanding of exercise effects
- Warm-up and cool-down
- Healthy lifestyle choices
- Fitness components
- Training principles
- Safe practice
- Body awareness
By Upper Key Stage 2, pupils will have developed:
- Competence in various sports
- Understanding of tactics and strategies
- Team working abilities
- Leadership skills
- Knowledge of health and fitness
- Performance analysis skills
- Competitive experience
These skills and knowledge progress systematically through the year groups, building on previous learning. Our approach develops important physical competencies including:
- Coordination and balance
- Strength and flexibility
- Speed and agility
- Team working skills
- Strategic thinking
- Performance skills
Through our PE curriculum, pupils learn to:
- Participate confidently in sports
- Work collaboratively
- Compete fairly
- Lead and organise
- Analyse performance
- Make healthy choices
- Show resilience and determination
We believe these skills and knowledge are essential for pupils to develop as confident, competent participants in physical activity who understand the importance of maintaining healthy, active lifestyles throughout their lives.