PE
Intent
Our PE curriculum is evidence-led, taking into account sources such as the Ofsted Research review in 2022 and the House of Commons Briefing Paper in December 2019 on PE, physical activity and sports in schools. It also draws on research and advice from the PE Association.
In line with our ethos and values at Gilberdyke, the curriculum is explicitly planned to be inclusive, ambitious, broad and balanced. Our intent shares the aims of the National Curriculum, enabling pupils to;
- Develop competency in a broad range of physical activities.
- Being physically active for sustained periods of time.
- Engagement in sports and activities.
- Lead healthy and active lives.
The rationale for our curriculum is based on a series of repeated encounters which build a sound understanding of concepts delivered in the context of different sporting disciplines, building knowledge and schema. Over time, taught concepts increase in complexity so that pupils are ready for the next stage. Competition is thoughtfully woven throughout the curriculum in age-appropriate ways to allow pupils to apply their skills and knowledge alongside their peers and in competitive situations both in and out of school.
We know how PE contributes to personal development and see it as an important vehicle to character development, building self-assurance, resilience, determination and respect.
The Gilberdyke PE curriculum is underpinned by the National Curriculum and EYFS framework. All statutory requirements are met through units delivered from F1 to Y6. The content is relevant and responsive to the context of our school and locality in terms of the sporting opportunities available in the surrounding area of Gilberdyke which can be accessed to further pupils’ competencies, passion and aspiration to achieve highly.
Leaders know that physical competence is developed through a range of activities and experiences. Extra-curricular activities are given a high priority that includes sports activities and competitions and also ample opportunities for physical play during break and lunchtimes. Elements such as healthy participation is supported through learning in other subjects such as the effects of exercise on the body (short and long term) in Science and PSHCE.
Leaders are aware that our pupils have a broad range of experiences outside of school. Some pupils have had ample opportunities to develop their motor competencies whilst others have not and therefore the curriculum has been designed so that there are many opportunities to check levels of motor competence, offer direct instruction and give feedback in all phases.
PE is prioritised in the school timetable with all pupils receiving 2 lessons per week. The timings within these lessons ensure time for physical activity is maximised.
Implementation
EYFS
The EYFS PE curriculum focuses heavily on the Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS). These basic learned motor patterns are often inefficient when pupils join us in EYFS and our aim is to develop these so pupils can be more proficient and mature in their movements.
The EYFS curriculum covers all elements of FMS (locomotor skills eg. running and jumping, stability skills eg. twisting & balancing as well as manipulation skills eg. throwing and catching). These progress from very simple in F1 to more complex in F2.
Teachers give explicit instruction and feedback as they are delivering the curriculum about what makes FMS successful eg landing on balls of feet.
Pupils learn through the themes of Body Management, Cooperate and Solving Problems, Speed, Agility and Travel and Manipulation and Co-ordination and are introduced to the domains of Gymnastics and Dance.
Pupils are introduced to the early stages of healthy participation learning about exercise in our lives and how to participate safely (eg. following explicit instruction).
KS1
In KS1, the curriculum builds on the early knowledge of EYFS. FMS is still a guiding principle with ample opportunities for direct instruction in basic learned motor patterns. Pupils are introduced to transitional activities where they can challenge and extend their knowledge, for example they are introduced to Attack, Defend, Shoot and Hit, Catch, Run concepts that enable them to practise varying speeds and simple game situations in the context of different sporting disciplines/domains.
As they progress through KS1, pupils begin to learn about rules, strategies and tactics. They start to engage and have opportunities to practise their skills in small-sided game scenarios. Their understanding of safe and effective participation is extended by learning about some of the short and long-term benefits of physical activity.
KS2
Pupils build on their learning in EYFS and KS1 and are taught a broad range of domains. There is a tight focus on the progression of their declarative knowledge (knowing ‘what’ such as rules, tactics and health) and procedural knowledge (knowing ‘how’ to apply the facts and tactics).
The activities pupils are taught in KS2 have been carefully selected. There are a range of sports and physical activities that develop a range of motor competencies, rules, tactics and strategies that enables healthy participation. There is a balance of object- control activities and loco motor to ensure those pupils less developed in some areas due to lack of experience are still able to achieve competency in all areas ready for KS3.
Leaders have ensured there is sufficient time in each domain to become competent and acquire a depth of learning, they are aware that research shows pupils can find it difficult to make the links and draw upon prior knowledge in a new context and so teachers make this explicit in lessons. Some domains such as dance, gymnastics, cricket and athletics run across the whole KS2 curriculum to enable acquisition of component knowledge for KS3.
The KS2 OAA curriculum builds on pupils’ experiences in EYFS and KS1. This has recently been given a greater weighting within the curriculum in recognition that our pupils often lack confidence when facing new challenges.
Following COVID, leaders are aware that swimming competency has been affected. For the last two years the school has invested in additional lessons at the local leisure centre focusing on Y4, Y5 and Y6 pupils with the aim of achieving basic competency in this necessary life skill.
Impact
Our PE curriculum equips and inspires our children with the skill base, knowledge and motivation to continue active participation in sport and physical activity into adulthood.
The carefully designed curriculum has allowed for children to become proficient and experienced in sports which are readily available within the local context, eg. cricket, football and golf. High proportions of pupils engage with sporting opportunities outside of school as a result, with some progressing to represent or compete in their sport at county and, occasionally, national level.
