Physical Education
Why we teach PE
At St John's, we believe that Physical Education plays an important role in developing happy, healthy and confident children. We want all children to enjoy being active, develop a love of sport and understand the importance of physical activity for lifelong health and wellbeing. Our PE curriculum follows the Cambridgeshire Scheme of Work for Physical Education and is designed to be inclusive, engaging and adapted to meet the needs of all children. We aim to develop physical literacy, helping children to build their motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding of the value of being active.
Through a variety of sporting activities, including games, dance, gymnastics and swimming, children develop fundamental movement skills and build confidence in a range of physical activities. We also provide opportunities for children to compete, challenge themselves and celebrate their achievements.
Our PE Curriculum
Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that children develop and build upon their physical skills as they progress through the school. Children experience a wide range of activities that develop their strength, agility, balance, coordination and fitness. They learn to work independently and collaboratively, develop tactics and strategies, and evaluate their own performances.
We believe PE is also an important opportunity to develop positive attitudes and personal qualities. Through sport and physical activity, children learn the importance of determination, honesty, passion, respect, self-belief and teamwork.
Key Stage 1 – Our Aims
In Key Stage 1, we aim to develop children's confidence and enjoyment of physical activity by introducing and practising fundamental movement skills. Children learn to:
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Develop basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching.
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Improve their balance, agility and coordination.
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Participate in simple team games and begin to understand basic tactics.
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Explore different movements and patterns through dance and gymnastics.
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Work with others, take turns and develop an understanding of fairness.
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Build confidence and enjoyment through a range of physical activities.
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Build confidence and safety in and around water
Key Stage 2 – Our Aims
In Key Stage 2, children build upon their fundamental movement skills and develop greater control, accuracy and confidence across a wider range of sports and activities. Children learn to:
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Develop and apply a wider range of physical skills and techniques.
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Improve their strength, flexibility, balance and coordination.
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Participate in competitive games, developing attacking and defending strategies.
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Perform increasingly complex dance and gymnastics sequences.
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Take part in outdoor and adventurous activities, working collaboratively to overcome challenges.
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Evaluate their own and others' performances and identify ways to improve.
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Develop leadership, teamwork and resilience through sporting activities.
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Understand the importance of regular physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
The Impact of Our Curriculum
By the time children leave St John's, we want them to be confident, competent and enthusiastic about physical activity. We aim for all children to recognise the importance of leading healthy, active lifestyles and to have the skills and motivation to continue participating in sport and exercise beyond primary school.
Above all, we want children to experience the enjoyment of being active, take pride in their achievements and develop the confidence, determination and teamwork skills that will support them throughout life.
