Physical Education at St. Ignatius
Intent
At St. Ignatius Primary School, our intent is to deliver a high-quality Physical Education curriculum that inspires all pupils to be physically active, confident and healthy for life. We believe that every child, regardless of ability or background, can experience enjoyment, success and personal achievement through PE and sport. In line with our school mission, building a place to flourish through faith and learning, PE supports pupils to flourish physically, socially and mentally.
Our PE curriculum is inclusive, progressive and ambitious. It is designed to develop pupils’ physical competence, knowledge and understanding so that they can participate confidently in a wide range of physical activities. We aim to raise the profile of PE so that it is recognised as a vital part of the whole curriculum, supporting pupils’ physical health, mental wellbeing, social development and academic success.
Through our PE provision, pupils will:
• Develop fundamental movement skills and apply them in a range of physical activities
• Improve fitness, coordination, control and confidence
• Understand the importance of physical activity as part of a healthy, active lifestyle
• Experience competition, creativity and challenge in a safe and supportive environment
• Develop resilience, teamwork, leadership and decision-making skills
• Become reflective learners who understand how to improve their performance
• Build positive attitudes towards PE, sport and physical activity that extend beyond school
Implementation
PE is taught for a minimum of two hours per week across all year groups, using a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge, skills and understanding progressively from Early Years to Year 6. Teaching is supported by the use of both indoor and outdoor facilities, ensuring a wide variety of learning experiences.
Class Long Term Plans:
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, pupils focus on developing fundamental movement skills such as balance, travelling, coordination and control. Activities are designed to improve hand-eye coordination, physical confidence and enjoyment through structured play and guided activities.
In Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils follow a rolling programme of physical activities that change each half term. These include but are not limited to:
• Games (e.g. football, netball, basketball, tag rugby)
• Gymnastics
• Dance
• Athletics
• Bat and ball games (e.g. cricket and rounders)
• Outdoor and adventurous activities
Lessons are carefully planned in line with the national curriculum using PE Pro provided by Elite Kids Coaching to ensure progression, with pupils building on prior learning and developing both physical and cognitive skills. Teachers ensure pupils understand the purpose of activities, what success looks like and how they can improve. As a school, we have partnered with Elite Kids Coaching to provide quality PE teaching to each class at multiple times through the year ensuring their expertise is supporting all pupils and as a chance for teachers to gain CPD training to ensure seamless high quality PE teaching to all children.
Swimming is a core component of the PE curriculum. Pupils in Year 4 attend swimming sessions throughout the school year, enabling them to develop water confidence, swimming competence and an understanding of water safety, in line with national expectations.
Our PE curriculum is enriched through a range of extra-curricular sporting clubs, delivered in partnership with Elite Kids Coaching. These clubs provide further opportunities for pupils to develop skills, improve fitness, experience competition and enjoy sport in a social context.
Assessment is ongoing and informs planning to ensure all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately. Adaptations are made where necessary to ensure all children can access and enjoy PE.
Impact
As a result of our PE curriculum, pupils at St. Ignatius Primary School:
• Are physically active, engaged and motivated during PE lessons
• Demonstrate improved physical skills, fitness levels and coordination
• Show increased confidence and willingness to participate in physical activity
• Understand the importance of physical activity for their health and wellbeing
• Apply teamwork, leadership and decision-making skills effectively
• Enjoy taking part in a wide range of competitive, creative and challenge-based activities
• Develop positive attitudes towards sport and physical activity that extend beyond the school day.