Physical Education - PE

Intent 

At St Clement’s C of E Primary School, we are committed to delivering a challenging and inspiring physical education curriculum that children from Reception to Year 6 both enjoy and benefit from. Our programme offers a wide range of activities designed to support pupils’ physical development, health, fitness and overall wellbeing. Through a carefully planned and progressive curriculum, we aim to motivate all learners to achieve their full potential in sport and physical activity. 

We place equal importance on regular physical activity and high-quality PE lessons. Together, these help children to build confidence, resilience and a positive attitude towards keeping healthy. Taking part in competitive sports and team activities also supports personal development and reinforces our school values of love, share, care, trust and respect. 

Through our PE curriculum, we aim for all pupils to: 

develop skills and confidence across a wide range of physical activities 

remain active for extended periods of time 

participate in competitive sport and physical challenges 

adopt healthy and active lifestyles 

We are fortunate to have excellent facilities, including two playgrounds, a ball court, large sports field and a large hall. These allow staff to plan creative and engaging lessons. We also work closely with the local community and maintain strong links with swimming, helping to extend pupils’ experiences beyond school. 

Physical education and sport play a central role at St Clement’s. Our curriculum and enrichment opportunities ensure that every child is given the chance to succeed and thrive through physical activity. 

At St. Clements Primary School, our PE curriculum is firmly rooted in the National Curriculum programmes of study for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. This ensures that teaching is progressive, structured and supports pupils’ long-term development in physical education.

National Curriculum - Physical education key stages 1 to 2

Children from Reception to Year 6 receive regular PE lessons delivered by both class teachers and a qualified sports instructor. Our provision is further strengthened through participation in local sporting competitions and a wide range of after-school clubs. In addition, our sports instructor leads lunchtime activities that encourage all pupils to take part in physical activity. These clubs are tailored to different age groups and include targeted sessions. 

We are committed to promoting active lifestyles beyond timetabled PE lessons. Physical activity is embedded throughout the school day, with opportunities for movement incorporated into classroom learning. All pupils receive a minimum of two hours of PE each week. 

Our curriculum follows national guidance to ensure pupils experience a broad range of sports and physical activities that challenge and motivate them. Yearly house competitions provide opportunities for pupils to apply their learning in a competitive setting, helping to develop confidence and resilience. These events also ensure that all children, including those who may not usually compete, are encouraged to take part.

By the end of each academic year, pupils will: 

have taken part in a wide range of physical activities and PE lessons 

have applied the skills they have learned across different sports and contexts 

have developed greater confidence and an understanding of healthy lifestyles 

All PE lessons are designed to be inclusive and accessible, enabling every pupil to experience success and feel proud of their achievements. As children move through the school, they begin to identify their own interests and strengths within PE and sport. They are also encouraged to participate in clubs, competitions and extra-curricular opportunities. 

The PE and Sport curriculum (PEHub) plays an important role in supporting pupils’ personal growth, including the development of confidence, creativity, resilience and a positive attitude towards self-improvement. As a result, pupils are able to communicate confidently within group settings, and many demonstrate leadership by supporting their peers during lessons. 

Progress in PE is monitored through regular reflection and evaluation of performance, using photographs and videos as evidence. Teachers continuously assess pupils’ skills, physical abilities and subject knowledge, including their understanding of health and the human body. The subject leader also carries out lesson observations and reviews recorded evidence. 

Formative assessment is aligned with the National Curriculum and recorded on BROMCOM. Building resilience is a key outcome of PE and sport, helping pupils to develop perseverance and confidence that will support them throughout their education and into the future. 

Implementation of Physical Education

In line with the EYFS statutory framework, physical development focuses on supporting children to become active, confident and independent movers. Pupils are encouraged to develop coordination, control and balance while learning about the importance of healthy choices.

This includes:

• Moving and Handling – developing control and coordination in both large and small movements, moving confidently and safely in different spaces, and using equipment effectively.
• Health and Self-Care – understanding the importance of exercise, healthy eating and personal safety.

The Reception team is trained in Bikeability and deliver balance bike sessions. These lessons aim to ensure that all children leave Year R confident in riding a balance bike.

In Key Stage 1, pupils build strong foundations in fundamental movement skills. They develop increasing confidence and competence in agility, balance and coordination through individual, partner and group activities.

Pupils are taught to:

• develop basic movements such as running, jumping, throwing and catching
• improve balance, agility and coordination
• take part in team games and begin to understand simple tactics
• perform dances using basic movement patterns

They engage in both cooperative and competitive activities, learning to challenge themselves and work effectively with others.

During Key Stage 2, pupils further develop and refine their skills, learning how to combine movements into sequences and apply techniques across different sports. They are encouraged to collaborate, communicate and compete confidently, while reflecting on their own progress.

Pupils are taught to:

• use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination
• participate in competitive games such as football, cricket, netball, hockey, rounders, badminton and tennis
• develop strength, flexibility, control and balance through activities such as gymnastics and athletics
• perform a range of dances
• take part in outdoor and adventurous activities
• evaluate their performances and work towards personal bests

Swimming

At St. Clements, swimming lessons are provided in Terms 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 at a local pool. These sessions focus on developing swimming ability, water confidence and basic life-saving skills. Our aim is for all pupils to gain a secure understanding of water safety and personal survival.

Term 6 is used for additional ‘top-up’ sessions, providing extra support for pupils who require further development in their swimming skills.

PE Long Term Planning

PE Medium Term Planning and Progression