PE Curriculum
‘Sport has the power to change the world.’ – Nelson Mandela
Intent
Physical Education is taught through regular, dedicated lessons using Get Set 4 PE, alongside opportunities for physical activity throughout the school day. Our curriculum develops pupils’ physical competence, confidence and understanding, while promoting positive attitudes towards exercise, sport and healthy lifestyles.
Children learn and apply a broad range of skills through games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, outdoor and adventurous activities and swimming. They are taught how to work independently and collaboratively, make appropriate decisions and evaluate their own and others’ performance. Our PE curriculum enables every pupil to participate, experience success and recognise the importance of being active throughout their lives.
Why is Physical Education important?
At WJS, we want every child to develop a positive and lasting relationship with physical activity. PE supports children’s physical health and fitness while also contributing to their emotional wellbeing, confidence, resilience and sense of belonging.
Through PE, children learn how to communicate, cooperate and compete respectfully. They experience the importance of teamwork, perseverance, fairness and self-discipline. Pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, celebrate progress and understand that success can look different for everyone.
Implementation – How is our PE curriculum enriched at Westbury Junior School?
We use Get Set 4 PE as the basis of our PE curriculum. Learning is carefully sequenced so that children revisit, practise and build upon their knowledge and skills as they move through the school. Lessons develop physical, social, emotional and thinking skills alongside sport-specific knowledge and techniques.
Inclusion is central to our PE provision. We recognise that pupils may have different physical, sensory, communication, emotional or learning needs, and we work to identify and remove barriers to participation. Activities may be adapted through changes to the equipment, rules, playing area, groupings, level of challenge or method of instruction. Visual demonstrations, additional practice, appropriate adult support and alternative ways to participate are used where needed. This ensures that pupils, including those with SEND and those accessing our Resource Base, can take an active and meaningful part in PE while remaining appropriately challenged.
The PE curriculum is enriched through swimming, active play, extracurricular clubs and opportunities to take part in festivals, competitions and sporting events. Children are encouraged to represent their school with pride and demonstrate teamwork, respect and good sporting behaviour. Leadership opportunities allow pupils to support others, take responsibility and contribute positively to school life.
Impact – Ultimately our PE Curriculum is designed to:
- Develop confident, competent and physically active pupils
- Build secure foundations in movement, coordination, balance and agility
- Enable children to apply skills and tactics across a range of sports and activities
- Promote positive attitudes towards physical activity and healthy lifestyles
- Improve physical fitness, stamina and overall wellbeing
- Develop teamwork, communication, leadership and cooperation
- Teach children to compete fairly and show respect for rules, officials and one another
- Build resilience, perseverance, independence and self-belief
- Enable pupils to evaluate performance and identify ways to improve
- Remove barriers so that every child can participate, progress and experience success
- Celebrate different strengths, achievements and ways of taking part
- Develop safe and confident swimmers
- Encourage children to remain physically active throughout their lives
Through Physical Education, our children develop the skills, confidence and motivation needed to lead healthy, active lives. An inclusive approach ensures that every pupil is valued, supported and challenged, whatever their individual starting point or need. These qualities support our WJS values and help every child to belong, participate, achieve and let their light shine.