PE
At Highfields Academy, Physical Education is designed to develop pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding, enabling them to participate with growing confidence and competence across a broad range of physical activities. These include dance, games, gymnastics, swimming and water safety, athletics and outdoor adventure pursuits.
Our PE curriculum promotes physical confidence in ways that support lifelong health and fitness. Through opportunities to compete and collaborate in sport and other physical challenges, children build character and learn important values such as fairness, respect and resilience.
Curriculum Intent
The aims of PE are to ensure that all pupils
- 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.
Curriculum Implementation
We employ a variety of teaching and learning approaches in PE to ensure all children develop their knowledge, skills and understanding. Our core aim is to foster confident and competent learners through a blend of whole-class instruction and individual or small-group activities. Teachers highlight strong examples of performance to inspire others and encourage pupils to reflect on and evaluate both their own work and that of their peers. Lessons are designed to promote collaboration and healthy competition, supported by access to a wide range of high-quality resources.
We recognise that children in every class have varying levels of physical ability. At Highfields, we are committed to providing inclusive and appropriately challenging learning opportunities for all pupils. Tasks are carefully matched to individual needs and abilities through a range of strategies, including:
- Adapting activities to offer varying levels of difficulty
- Grouping children flexibly to support and extend learning
- Providing targeted support or extension tasks where needed
- Using equipment and resources
- Encouraging peer support and collaboration
Curriculum Impact
Our PE curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for Physical Education (2014). Units are carefully sequenced to provide progressive learning steps that meet end-of-key-stage expectations while enriching each child’s experience.
- In Key Stage 1, children engage in dance, games, gymnastics and athletics.
- In Key Stage 2, the curriculum expands to include athletics, dance, games, gymnastics, outdoor adventure activities, swimming and water safety.
Our long-term curriculum map outlines the PE activities taught each term across the key stages. We use Complete PE to support the planning and delivery of high-quality lessons. Medium-term plans detail the content of each unit, ensuring a balanced and well-distributed programme throughout the academic year. These plans are maintained and regularly reviewed by the PE subject leader.
PE activities are designed to build on prior learning, with clear progression to ensure children are increasingly challenged as they move through the school. All pupils, regardless of ability, are given opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding across all activity areas. Additionally, children from every year group have access to a wide range of competitive opportunities, both within school (intra-school) and between schools (inter-school).
Early Years Foundation Stage
In Reception, physical development is a fundamental part of the children’s learning journey. We align our provision with the Early Learning Goals, which guide curriculum planning for children aged three to five. Our focus is on helping children develop confidence, coordination and control in their movements, as well as in their handling of tools and equipment.
Children are given regular opportunities to engage in activities that offer appropriate physical challenge, both indoors and outdoors. A wide range of resources is used to support the development of specific physical skills, ensuring that all children can explore, practise and refine their abilities in a safe and stimulating environment.