Physical Education

Sedbergh Primary School recognises and values the importance of Physical Education (PE).

PE at Sedbergh Primary School aims to develop a fun, high-quality physical education curriculum that inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sports and other physically-demanding activities. We do this through fully adhering to the aims of the national curriculum for physical education to ensure that all children:

• 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

It is our intention to build a curriculum that enables children to develop knowledge, skills and vocabulary in a broad range of sporting activities, as well as developing values and transferrable life skills such as tolerance, fairness and respect. Through enrichment activities and intra-school competitions, we aim to raise the profile of PE and expose our children to sports they may never have had the opportunity to engage with. Our PE syllabus is based on the National Curriculum framework with a clear progression structure from Reception to Year 6. This progression of skills has been planned in order to build on the skills needed to meet the end of Key Stage objectives in the National Curriculum. Additionally, an imperative element of the curriculum at Sedbergh shows a need for healthy life styles, a balanced diet, positive growth mind-set and the resilience to persevere. We are passionate about the need to teach children how to co-operate and collaborate with others, as part of a team, understanding fairness and equity of play to embed life-long values.

At Sedbergh Primary School, PE is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that enables pupils to develop increasing competence, confidence and knowledge as they progress from EYFS to Year 6. Using our Progression of Skills and Knowledge document, learning builds systematically, ensuring pupils revisit and refine previously taught content whilst developing new skills and understanding.

In EYFS and Key Stage 1, pupils develop fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, balancing, throwing and catching. In Lower Key Stage 2, pupils apply these skills across a wider range of activities, developing tactical awareness and collaboration. In Upper Key Stage 2, pupils refine their performance further, making tactical decisions, evaluating their own performance and demonstrating leadership and resilience.

Each class receives at least two hours of high-quality PE each week, delivered by class teachers and specialist coaches. Assessment is linked directly to the curriculum and focuses on pupils’ knowledge, skill application and decision-making, ensuring learning is built upon over time.

Swimming is taught throughout Key Stage 2, with the aim that all pupils leave Year 6 able to swim at least 25 metres confidently and safely. We also enrich our curriculum by making use of our unique local environment and working with local organisations to provide additional opportunities that broaden pupils’ experiences of physical activity and outdoor learning.

Pupils are encouraged to participate in a wide range of sporting opportunities beyond their PE lessons. Through strong links with local schools and sporting organisations, children regularly attend festivals, competitions and events, including cross-country, football, netball, tag rugby, athletics, swimming, boccia and other inclusive sporting activities. These experiences help to develop teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship and a lifelong enjoyment of being physically active.

Our curriculum aims to improve the wellbeing and fitness of all children at Sedbergh Primary School; not only through the sporting skills taught, but through the underpinning values and disciplines that PE promotes. In all classes, children learn about self-discipline and that to be successful you need to take ownership and responsibility of your own health and fitness. Whilst recognising this fact, we provide suitable learning opportunities for all children by matching the challenge of the task to the ability of the child. Children at Sedbergh make good progress in PE and are eager to attend school clubs and competitive sports events.