Physical Education

Vision

At the Nar Valley Federation, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to participate in physical activity on a regular basis and become more physically confident and competent. We hope that by offering a wide range of sporting opportunities, the children will develop a love and passion for sport and inspire them to lead physically active lives.

We aim to provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way that supports their health and fitness, whilst boosting self-confidence, self-esteem and supporting the development of social skills; encouraging all children to become successful, lifelong learners.

We are aware that research has shown a direct link between children’s physical and mental health, and therefore we aim to provide experiences that will inspire pupils to not only develop physically but ensure mental wellbeing and a desire to succeed.

Intent

PE lessons encourage children to compete against themselves and others whilst being challenged to improve their physical, social, emotional and thinking skills. These skills are embedded in the heart of our planning.

Our objectives in the teaching of PE align with the National Curriculum in that we aim to ensure all pupils:

• 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

Implementation

Our PE lessons are planned using the Get Set 4 PE platform, which aligns with our core values, our whole child approach to PE and the objectives laid out in the National Curriculum. Get Set 4 PE is planned so that progression is built into the scheme which ensures our children are increasingly challenged as they move up through the school. The curriculum planning in PE is carried out in three phases (long-term, medium-term and short term). 

The long-term plan (curriculum overview) maps out the PE activities covered in each term during the class. Due to our mixed aged classes, the curriculum overview has been designed as a 2-year rolling programme for all but two of our classes across the federation (these classes follow a 3-year rolling programme). As ICS coaches deliver a weekly lesson in some of our classes, it also identifies which discipline should be taught by the class teacher, and which should be taught by the ICS coaches, to avoid repetition. 

Our medium-term plans give details of each unit of work for each term. These schemes of work provide an overview of the unit, links to other areas of the National Curriculum and assessment criteria for that unit. The short-term lesson plans provide opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in each activity area.

It is an expectation that children will receive 2 lessons of PE each week. For children in reception, they will cover their EYFS Physical Development strand within their continuous provision alongside a weekly PE lesson.

Children are also provided with opportunities to participate in inter-school competitions in a range of different sports. Recent competitive cluster events at the local high school (TNHA)  include: tag rugby, high-5 netball, cross-country, indoor athletics, football and dodgeball.

Spirituality in our Curriculum

Through PE, we enable spiritual development by allowing our children the freedom to move and express themselves. We build wonder in their achievements as they learn a new skill and share this with others. We provide children with the opportunity to reflect on their own and others' performances.