PE (Physical Education)

Subject Leader: Miss R Brown

‘A high- quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.’

Intent

At St Andrews Benn, we recognise the vital role Physical Education plays in the development of every child. We are committed to providing inclusive, engaging PE opportunities that support children’s physical, emotional, social, moral, and spiritual well-being. Our aim is to create a safe and supportive environment where pupils can thrive through a wide range of physical activities.

Our PE curriculum encourages children to challenge themselves and others, developing physical competence alongside social and thinking skills. Competition is approached positively, helping pupils build resilience, perseverance, and teamwork. We also place strong emphasis on encouraging an understanding of healthy lifestyles and informed choices, instilling knowledge about the long-term benefits of regular physical activity on both physical and mental health.

F: Feed your mind

A: Achieve your best

M: Make a difference

I: Imagine the impossible

L: Live our values

Y: You are loved

Through active participation, children learn how exercise contributes to overall well-being and how these habits can support them throughout life. They are supported to apply our school’s values and ‘FAMILY’ vision—such as respect, care, and determination—within sport and physical activity.

By developing key life skills through PE, including confidence, independence, and the ability to cope with challenge, pupils are empowered to be their best selves both in school and beyond.

Implementation

At St Andrew’s Benn, Physical Education is delivered through the high-quality ‘Complete PE’ scheme, providing a progressive and inclusive curriculum from Key Stage 1 to Upper Key Stage 2. PE revisits our key Threads—athletics, dance & movement, gymnastics, team games and outdoor adventurous activities (OAA)—throughout each phase. Swimming is taught in Years 5 and 6 to ensure pupils meet national curriculum expectations. This approach ensures substantive and disciplinary knowledge is built over time.

PE is structured around core Concepts: developing skills, applying skills, evaluating performance, and understanding fitness and health. These are embedded across all Threads to help pupils know more, remember more, and make meaningful connections throughout their primary journey.

Supported by Complete PE, pupils receive two hours of high-quality PE per week. Teaching is underpinned by six Core Components: Oracy, Retrieval, Modelling, Active Engagement, Progress for All, and Feedback. Enrichment opportunities, including talks from professionals linked to relevant threads, enhance the learning experience. Beyond lessons, the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme supports active, purposeful playtimes, helping children lead healthy, active lives both in and out of school.

Threads: athletics, dance & movement, gymnastics, team games, OAA and swimming.

Concepts: Developing skills, applying skills, evaluating performance, knowledge & understanding of fitness and health.

Impact

Curriculum for L.I.F.E

L: Love of Learning

At St Andrews Benn, we foster a love of learning in PE by providing a safe, inclusive environment where all children can thrive through movement. Our curriculum offers meaningful challenges that help pupils build confidence, embrace teamwork, and understand that mistakes are part of progress—nurturing resilience and a lifelong passion for physical activity.

I: Inspired

Children are inspired in PE through engaging activities that support their physical, emotional, and social growth. Through competitive and creative experiences, pupils develop confidence and determination, embodying our FAMILY values and discovering how sport and activity connect to real life and future wellbeing.

F: Flourished

Our pupils flourish in PE by developing physical skills alongside character and life skills like communication, perseverance, and independence. Inclusive lessons promote healthy lifestyle choices and support children’s overall wellbeing, preparing them to be confident individuals beyond school.

E: Enriched

PE enriches learning by developing the whole child—physically, mentally, morally, and socially. Pupils experience positive competition, build self-esteem, and explore potential careers in sport, health, and leadership. Through this, they live our FAMILY values and develop habits for a healthier, happier life.

Organisation & Sequencing