Physical Education

Curriculum Intent

Purley Church of England Primary School believes that Physical Education (PE), experienced in a safe and supportive environment, is essential to ensure children attain optimum physical and emotional development and good health. We intend to deliver high-quality teaching and learning opportunities that inspire all children to succeed in physical education and in developing life skills. We want to teach children skills to keep them safe such as being able to swim.  We also want to teach children how to cooperate and collaborate with others as part of an effective team, understanding fairness and equity of play to embed life-long values. Our curriculum aims to improve the wellbeing and fitness of all children at Purley Church of England Primary School, not only through the sporting skills taught, but through the underpinning values and disciplines PE promotes.

 

Implementation

• PE at Purley Church of England Primary School provides challenging and enjoyable learning through a range of sporting activities including; invasion games, net & wall games, strike and field games, gymnastics, dance, swimming and outdoor & adventure
• The long term plan sets out the PE units which are to be taught throughout the year and ensures that the requirements of the National Curriculum are fully met
• Our on-site facilities include a netted ball court and playground area. For those activities requiring larger field space, we have use of the Parish Council-owned Bucknells Meadow, a short walk from the school
• Pupils participate in high quality PE lessons each week, covering two sporting disciplines every half term. In addition, children are encouraged to participate in our offer of extra-curricular activities. There is a parent-paid gymnastics club each week, and ad-hoc clubs such as running, football or netball are organised for after school or lunchtime to coordinate with the timing of competitions
• Our ball court is timetabled for different groups or individuals for use during the school day. This facilitates lunchtime netball and football games, and movement breaks for those children who would benefit from them during the school day
• Children are invited to attend competitive sporting events within the local area. This is an inclusive approach which endeavours to encourage not only physical development but also mental well-being. A highlight is the local Small Schools’ Network Cross Country event which we are currently champions of! These events develop teamwork and leadership skills and are very much enjoyed by the children
• Each year a small group of Year 6 children are invited to become Sports Ambassadors for the school. They develop into sporting role models for the younger children, assisting our annual Sports day and any other Sporting activities.
• We continue to foster sporting links with the local community and our children participate in ‘Diddi Rugby’ sessions, and are taught by a local tennis coach at Purley Tennis Club
• During our year 4/5 residential trip, pupils are encouraged to try a range of outdoor activities such as caving and archery
• Our close proximity to the River Thames means that swimming and water safety have a high priority. Children in Year 2 swim once a week for 10 weeks during the Autumn Term.  We repeat the 10 week course later in school in Year 5 to ensure that those pupils leaving our school are proficient to the National Curriculum standard of 25m
• We encourage as many pupils as possible to complete the local ‘Bikeability’ Cycling Proficiency Standards Level 1 and Level 2, with the aim that pupils have increased independent opportunities for confident travel to school either to Purley or to their future secondary school

Impact

• We help motivate children to participate in a variety of sports through quality teaching that is engaging and fun. From our lessons, our children learn to take responsibility for their own health and fitness, many of whom also enjoy the success of competitive sports. We equip our children with the necessary skills and a love for sport. They will hopefully grow up to live happy and healthy lives utilising the skills and knowledge acquired through PE.