St. Mary's C.E. Primary School, Washington

Intent

St Mary’s C.E Primary School believes that Physical Education (PE and Games) should be experienced in a safe and supportive environment and that it is essential to ensure children attain optimum physical and emotional development and good health. We intend to deliver high-quality teaching and learning opportunities that inspire all children to succeed in physical education and in developing life skills. We want to teach children skills to keep them safe such as being able to swim. We also want to teach children how to cooperate and collaborate with others as part of an effective team, understanding fairness and equity of play and to embed life-long values. Our curriculum aims to improve the wellbeing and fitness of all children at St Mary’s, not only through sporting skills taught, but through the underpinning values and disciplines Physical Education promotes.

Implementation

Physical Education at St Mary’s C.E Primary School provides challenging and enjoyable learning through a range of sporting activities including; invasion games, net and racket games, striking and fielding games, gymnastics, dance, swimming and outdoor & adventure.

The long term plan sets out the units which are to be taught throughout the year and ensures that the requirements of the National Curriculum are fully met.

Pupils participate in two high quality PE lessons each week, covering two sporting disciplines every half term. In addition, children are encouraged to participate in the varied range of extra-curricular activities. Children are invited to attend competitive sporting events within our STARS locality group which involves both tasters and tournaments. This is an inclusive approach which endeavours to encourage not only physical development but also mental well-being. These events also develop teamwork and leadership skills and are thoroughly enjoyed by the children.

From Reception to Year 6, pupils have swimming lessons for 6 weeks in the Autumn term and for 6 weeks in the Summer term. Every week, each class also takes part in our Golden Mile, which helps to stimulate the pupils’ bodies and minds during the busy school day.

Impact

Children at St Mary’s are motivated to participate in a variety of sports through high quality teaching that is engaging and fun. From our lessons, our children learn to take responsibility for their own health and fitness, many of whom also enjoy the success of competitive sports by taking part in our STARS Tournaments. We equip our pupils with the necessary skills and a love of sport. Through our PE and Games curriculum, pupils at St Mary’s will grow up to live happy and healthy lives, utilising the skills and knowledge acquired through PE and Games.