What Physical Education looks like at St Laurence
At St Laurence, our Physical Education curriculum enables children to become confident, active and physically literate. We want pupils to enjoy movement, develop healthy habits and recognise the important role physical activity plays in their wellbeing.
Our curriculum develops physical skills alongside teamwork, communication, resilience and decision-making. Children learn how to apply themselves when working individually, as part of a team and in competitive situations.
We use The PE Hub to support the planning and teaching of Physical Education. Lessons are carefully sequenced so that children progressively develop their knowledge, vocabulary, techniques and understanding across Key Stage 2.
Our curriculum aims
Through our Physical Education curriculum, children will:
• develop competence and confidence in a broad range of physical activities
• improve their strength, flexibility, balance, control and coordination
• understand how different skills can be transferred between sports
• develop tactical awareness and make effective decisions
• communicate and work successfully with others
• evaluate performance and identify ways to improve
• experience individual and team competition
• understand the importance of warming up and cooling down safely
• recognise the benefits of regular physical activity
• develop positive attitudes towards health and active lifestyles
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How we teach Physical Education
Physical Education is taught through carefully planned, practical lessons which allow children to develop and apply their skills.
Teachers use clear explanations, demonstrations and subject-specific vocabulary. Children practise techniques, take part in increasingly challenging activities and reflect on their own performance and that of others.
Our approach considers the whole child through the principles of thinking, behaving and doing.
Thinking
Children learn to:
• select and combine skills effectively
• make tactical decisions
• identify ways to improve
• evaluate their own performance
• recognise successful strategies
Behaving
Children learn to:
• communicate and collaborate
• compete fairly
• follow rules
• show respect towards others
• respond appropriately to winning and losing
• take responsibility within a team
Doing
Children learn to:
• perform a broad range of movements and skills
• develop strength, flexibility, technique, control and balance
• apply skills in different situations
• improve through practice, feedback and perseverance
This reflects the existing Head, Heart and Hands approach while using clearer language for families.
What children learn
Throughout Key Stage 2, children experience seven fundamental areas of Physical Education alongside swimming.
• Athletics
• Invasion games
• Striking and fielding games
• Net and wall games
• Outdoor and adventurous activities
• Dance
• Gymnastics
• Swimming
• Competition and school sport
Competition is an important part of Physical Education and school life at St Laurence.
Children experience appropriate competitive situations during lessons and may take part in a competition or performance at the end of a unit. They also compete against their own previous achievements through personal-best challenges.
Pupils have opportunities to represent their houses in events such as cross-country and Sports Day. Children may also be selected to represent St Laurence in competitions against other schools, including events organised through our Thanet PASSPORT membership.
Representing the school is an honour. We expect pupils to demonstrate courage, respect, teamwork and good sportsmanship, whatever the outcome.
Physical activity throughout the school day
We encourage children to be active beyond their formal Physical Education lessons.
Opportunities include:
• the Daily Mile
• active play during break and lunchtime
• playground games and equipment
• after-school sports clubs
• house competitions
• activities and movement across the wider curriculum
These opportunities help children to understand that physical activity should be a regular and enjoyable part of everyday life.
By the end of Year 6
By the end of Key Stage 2, children will be able to:
• perform a broad range of physical skills with increasing control
• apply techniques effectively across different activities
• make thoughtful tactical decisions
• explain how skills can transfer between sports
• work collaboratively and communicate effectively
• evaluate performance and suggest improvements
• lead and support others during physical activities
• understand and follow the rules of a range of sports
• warm up and cool down safely
• compete respectfully and respond positively to winning and losing
• understand how physical activity supports health and wellbeing
• approach new physical challenges with confidence and resilience
Enrichment and wider opportunities
Children are given opportunities to participate in a range of sporting and physical activities beyond their normal lessons.
These may include:
• inter-house competitions
• Sports Day
• cross-country events
• after-school clubs
• coaching sessions and workshops
• competitions against other schools
• activities provided through Thanet PASSPORT
• leadership opportunities for older pupils
These experiences help children discover new interests, develop confidence and experience the enjoyment of belonging to a team.
Supporting all learners
Our Physical Education curriculum is adapted so that every child can participate, make progress and experience success.
Teachers may adapt equipment, playing areas, rules, group s, movement expectations or the level of support provided. Skills are broken into manageable stages and children are given suitable opportunities to practise and consolidate their learning.
Adaptations are made thoughtfully so that children can participate alongside their peers while maintaining appropriate challenge and ambition.
Personal and spiritual development
Physical Education teaches children the importance of fairness, courage, self-discipline and respect.
Pupils learn to recognise their own strengths, respond positively to setbacks and encourage others. They experience the joy of movement, the satisfaction of improvement and the sense of belonging that comes from working towards a shared goal.
Through competition and collaboration, children learn that success is not only measured by winning. It can also be found in perseverance, personal improvement, teamwork and showing respect towards others.
Supporting Physical Education at home
Families can encourage active and healthy lifestyles through simple activities such as:
• walking, cycling or scooting
• visiting parks and outdoor spaces
• playing active games together
• practising throwing, catching and balancing
• joining a local sports club
• setting personal activity challenges
• discussing the importance of rest, nutrition and hydration
Regular opportunities to move and play can help children build confidence, develop healthy habits and enjoy being active.
Click here to view the St. Laurence PE Curriculum Booklet
Click here to view the St Laurence Sport Premium Plan 2024-25
Intent, Implementation and Impact in PE and Sport
PE and Sport Progression of Skills
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