Physical Education

Physical Education (PE) at St. Paul's

Physical activity not only improves health, reduces stress and improves concentration, but also promotes correct physical growth and development.  Exercise has a positive influence on academic achievement, emotional stability and interaction with others.  Therefore, at St. Paul’s we ensure that both teachers and children are aware of its importance. We provide the broad and balanced programme of physical education we believe every child should have; with activities designed to be enjoyable, vigorous, purposeful and regular. Through providing positive experiences, a lifelong interest in physical activity is encouraged. The range of physical activities is wide and includes athletics, dance, games, gymnastics, swimming and outdoor education. A high-quality programme is designed to satisfy the needs, abilities and interests of all individual children.

At St Paul’s each class will receive 2 hours of physical education per week.  In addition to class teachers, coaches from outside agencies lead sessions for children throughout the school. The children have the opportunity to receive high quality PE sessions from Tameside Sports Coaching and Born and Bred Dance Company.

We are highly motivated in encouraging the children to take part in a wide range of before-school and after-school extra-curricular activities. We also enter a wide range of sports events in order to promote competition and teamwork.

Intent

Our principal aim is that children leave St. Paul’s Primary School with a wide range of happy and rich memories in Physical Education, formed through interesting and exciting experiences that enhance a child’s awareness of their own abilities and strengths. We want children to strive to achieve their personal best and continually improve on their own skills. We help children to become physically active and to help them understand the importance of physical activity in promoting a healthy active life and mind-set. Children will meet the National Curriculum expectations in Physical Education, which will be taught by qualified staff who will support children to develop a range of skills, technique and values. Children will understand how Catholic virtues and British Values relate to Physical Education.

Implementation

We use the national curriculum for physical education to underpin our teaching and learning. We teach children how to master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and co-ordination, and begin to apply these in a range of activities. Opportunities are provided for children to participate in team games and competitive games which will be modified where appropriate and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending. Appropriate physical activities are used to develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance through athletics and gymnastics. Pupils are encouraged to compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best, also providing opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Children learn about healthy food options, the importance of exercise, looking after your body and mind to live a healthy lifestyle.

Impact

Through our PE curriculum children develop and improve their knowledge, skills and understanding of physical education in different activities and sports. They learn how to evaluate and recognise their own success and gain the skills required to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. They enjoy communicating, collaborating, and competing with each other, as they exercise and build their skills. At St Paul’s, children experience a wide range of sporting activities, which will enable each child to find a sport that they enjoy and continue to enjoy outside of school. Children develop their games values: determination, passion, respect, honesty, self-belief, and teamwork which they can transfer into everyday life.