P.E

What is our vision for Physical Education (PE)?

At The Growth Learning Collective, our PE curriculum embodies the aims of the National Curriculum. We ensure that all children: 

• Develop physical skills and understanding in a variety of sports and physical activities that promote health and fitness.
• Cultivate an appreciation of the importance of a physically active lifestyle and how it positively impacts their well-being.
• Build teamwork, leadership, and perseverance through collaborative and competitive activity.

In our schools, PE inspires children to engage, express themselves, and appreciate their bodies’ capabilities. Integrating key physical competencies with enjoyment (ensuring each skill set builds on children’s previous experiences and abilities) gives our children the confidence they need to view physical activity as enjoyable and accessible. From the moment children join our schools in Early Years, PE promotes a growth mindset. This encourages our children to be curious, take on challenges, and view setbacks as an important part of their development. We see PE as vital in preparing our children for an active and healthy lifestyle while instilling respect for themselves and others.

 

What do PE lessons look like in our school and how do we plan lessons?

Our curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced, allowing children to revisit and consolidate key learning before building upon it. Units are arranged so that children have the necessary prior skills and knowledge to fully engage with new concepts. For instance, in KS1, children develop their fundamental movement skills before participating in more complex team sports when in KS2. Units taught throughout the children’s PE journey have been specifically selected to ensure that children develop a wholistic, well-round array of physical skills by the time they leave school at the end of Year 6. All PE lessons are taught by a PE Specialist Sports Coach.

In PE lessons, children acquire key skills and knowledge through participating in various physical activities. We adopt an approach of high levels of active learning within lessons with a strong emphasis of learning by doing. Children are encouraged to evaluate theirs and others performance to improve their skills with increasing independence. Wherever possible, we relate PE learning to the children's everyday lives and encourage children to participate practically in small groups or pairs.

In alignment with our teaching and learning policies, lessons begin with a recap of prior physical activities before introducing new concepts in manageable steps. Children revisit skills multiple times over a unit to help commit them to their long-term coordination and fitness memory.

 

What can you do to help your child at home?

Supporting your child’s engagement in PE at home involves noticing and encouraging physical activities in their environment. Whether in the garden, at the park, or during family outings, model enthusiasm for physical activity and ask questions that promote understanding and interest: "Did you see how they jumped over that puddle? I wonder how far you can jump if you use your arms to help!" You don’t need to be an expert to foster the critical thinking skills that athletes and sports enthusiasts use each day!