At St. Joseph’s, we have designed a broad, balanced and progressive Physical Education (PE) curriculum that fully meets the requirements of the National Curriculum and promotes the development of the whole child.

PE is an integral part of school life at St. Joseph’s, and our intent is to ensure that PE is inclusive, engaging and accessible to all pupils. We aim to develop pupils who are physically confident, resilient and motivated to lead healthy, active lives.

Through our PE curriculum, we aim to ensure that all pupils:

  • Become competent and confident in a broad range of physical activities, including games, dance, gymnastics, athletics and outdoor adventurous activities (OAA)
  • Engage in competitive sport and physical challenges, both within and beyond the school setting
  • Participate in sustained periods of physical activity to support healthy and active lifestyles now and in the future
  • Develop a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity and an understanding of the benefits of exercise and physical literacy
  • Learn to cooperate, collaborate and compete fairly, embedding fundamental British Values such as respect, tolerance and teamwork

Swimming is recognised as an essential life skill, and we aspire for all children to leave primary school able to swim at least 25 metres, in line with national expectations.

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Implementation

Our PE curriculum covers key areas of physical development and is delivered through a rolling two year programme, ensuring breadth, balance and progression.

Pupils access a wide range of activities, including:

  • Athletics
  • Dance
  • Gymnastics
  • Games
  • Orienteering
  • Swimming (Key Stage 2)

In Early Years and Key Stage 1, PE focuses on developing fundamental movement and motor skills, such as balance, coordination and control. These skills provide the foundation for all future PE learning.

Teaching and Learning Approach

PE units begin with a core task, allowing pupils to demonstrate their current skills and understanding. This initial assessment informs planning for the unit.

Across the sequence of lessons:

  • Pupils are challenged to develop and refine skills
  • Learning is progressive and matched to pupils’ needs
  • A wide range of equipment is used to support engagement and skill development

At the end of each unit, the core task is revisited to demonstrate progress, and assessments are used to inform next steps.

Throughout all PE lessons, we actively promote our Trust Virtues and British Values, reinforcing teamwork, respect, determination and fairness.

Enrichment and Leadership Opportunities

At St. Joseph’s, we are committed to providing a wide range of extra curricular sporting opportunities, including activities at lunchtime and after school. These may include:

  • Football
  • Dance
  • Tennis
  • Fitness sessions
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Hockey
  • Archery

Each year, a group of Year 5 and 6 pupils are selected as Sports Leaders. These pupils:

  • Act as role models and sporting ambassadors
  • Support peers during breaktime and lunchtime activities
  • Assist with coaching and mentoring
  • Help plan and deliver Sports Day

This leadership develops confidence, responsibility and teamwork.

PE and Careers

Explicit teaching of career links is embedded within PE units and enrichment activities.

Pupils learn how physical skills, teamwork and leadership are applied in real world contexts and explore careers such as:

  • Professional athletes and coaches
  • Sports teachers and instructors
  • Personal trainers and fitness professionals
  • Sports scientists and physiotherapists
  • Sports event managers and officials

This helps pupils see the wider purpose of PE, builds aspiration and supports understanding of how sport and physical activity can lead to future opportunities.

Impact

By the time pupils leave St. Joseph’s, they will:

  • Have developed key physical skills and confidence across a wide range of activities
  • Show positive attitudes towards health, fitness and physical activity
  • Understand the importance of teamwork, fairness and perseverance
  • Be prepared for the next stage of their PE journey and lifelong participation in sport

The impact of our PE curriculum is measured through:

  • Monitoring by the PE subject lead to ensure National Curriculum coverage
  • Subject deep dives, including pupil voice, staff discussion, drop ins and observation
  • Assessment of key skills through core tasks
  • Professional dialogue and sharing of best practice
  • Ongoing monitoring, evaluation and review to identify next steps
  • Tracking progress year on year to ensure pupils remain on track from their starting points

Pupils leave St. Joseph’s as physically confident, motivated and active learners, equipped with the skills and attitudes needed for secondary school and beyond.