Intent

At Bishop Ridley C of E Primary School, we aim to develop a love of PE, sport and physical activity by delivering an engaging and exciting curriculum that will promote personal development and inclusivity.  We believe that high-quality PE is an entitlement for all pupils.

By participating in high-quality PE lessons planned in line with the aims of the National Curriculum, pupils will build on the foundations of physical development in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).  They will have the opportunity to develop competence in a variety of skills to excel in physical activities. Pupils will develop an understanding of the language of sport and physical activity, as well as contribute towards an important aspect of communal life alongside other members of the Bishop Ridley community. 

Pupils will also be taught the three pillars of progression which develop competence to participate: motor competence; rules, strategies and tactics and healthy participation (understanding how to be safe and effective). As pupils move through the curriculum, this knowledge will guide them to make informed and safe decisions about their actions. 

Pupils will have access to a range of resources and equipment in order to develop their skills across the curriculum. Ambitious and progressive schemes of work are planned with teamwork, communication and collaboration in mind, as well as building on previously taught physical skills, knowledge and opportunities.  As pupils progress through the curriculum they will begin to understand how declarative (knowing what) and procedural (knowing how) link together to allow them to become physically competent individuals. 

Implementation

The teaching and implementation of the PE curriculum at Bishop Ridley is based on the National Curriculum and lessons are sequenced to provide pupils with a progressive learning experience during their time in primary school.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, physical development is one of the three prime areas, which is then divided into the following Early Learning Goals: gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Pupils in Nursery and Reception classes are timetabled for one hour a week in the hall, as well as numerous opportunities for physical development through other activities. Many of these activities lead to the development of the following skills: negotiating space and obstacles safely; demonstrating strength, balance and control and moving energetically (for example, jumping, running, hopping, climbing and skipping). As time progresses, EYFS pupils will also begin working on ball skills, such as aiming, throwing, catching and kicking, ready to move into the KS1 curriculum.

Each year group from years 1 – 6 are timetabled for two hours of PE a week (one hour indoors and one hour outdoors). For one term in years 4 – 6, these lessons are taken up by swimming lessons at Sidcup Leisure Centre. 

Outdoor PE lessons, encompassing range of sports, such as dodgeball, football, basketball, handball and Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA) focus not only on the physical skills required, but are also intended to give the children life skills, such as teamwork and endurance. Teachers follow Twinkl Move units of work for both indoor and outdoor learning. The long-term plan for PE has considered Cornerstones and Science topics for each year group to create cross-curricular links where appropriate. 

In addition to curriculum-based lessons, pupils in Reception – Year 6 have the opportunity to participate in adult led physical activity at lunch time, supported by Kinetic Kids, attend on-site extra-curricular activities and take part in a Daily Mile, to promote a love and enjoyment of physical activity and wellbeing. 

Impact 

The impact of the PE curriculum at Bishop Ridley is primarily shown through the engagement, enjoyment and development of all pupils in all forms of physical activity. Pupils will develop age appropriate skills in PE and will have the knowledge and confidence to transfer them to other sports and aspects of life. 

At the end of each term, teachers will make a professional judgement on whether pupils have met, exceeded or are working towards their objectives and record these judgements on Target Tracker. The Subject Leader will use these judgements to track and monitor achievement and progress, making changes to the curriculum as appropriate. 

The impact of the PE curriculum can also be seen in the engagement of pupils in extra-curricular sports clubs, either through school or local clubs and groups. As a result of continuous reviewing and assessment of the PE curriculum, we have been able to maintain at least Bronze standard in the School Games Mark, achieving Silver in some instances.