At Witherley, Physical education (PE) is a vital part of our school curriculum. It gives children the opportunity to be active and promotes good physical fitness. Through teaching PE, children are given early exposure to team sports as well as teaching them the importance of exercise as a lifelong habit. Physical education develops children's motor skills, promotes self-discipline, reduces stress, instils self-worth, strengthens social skills and improves our mental health.

Intent

At Witherley C.E. Primary School, we believe 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 progressively meet the requirements of the Physical education programmes of study, National curriculum in England, and inspire all children to succeed in physical education and in developing life skills. We want to teach children how to keep themselves safe, such as being able to swim and how to perform safe self-rescue in water based situations. We want to teach children how to cooperate and collaborate with others as part of an effective team, understanding fairness and equity of play. Our curriculum is achieved through a blend of teaching games and skills with a structured, progressive Primary PE scheme of work. We aim to improve the wellbeing and fitness of all children at Witherley, not only through the sporting skills taught, but through the underpinning values and  the disciplines that PE promotes.

Implementation

Physical Education at Witherley C.E. Primary School provides inclusion, challenge and enjoyable learning for all. Lessons are implemented with all staff and external practioners, following a structured, progressive Primary PE scheme of work. 

A two-year long term plan sets out the PE units, which are taught to our mixed-age classes (Years 1-6). We have a one-year long term plan which  and ensures that the requirements of the National Curriculum in our Early Years setting, are fully met.

All pupils receive the recommended offer of at least two hours of high-quality PE each week. These lessons are timetabled, structured lessons and delivered by either qualified teachers or trained external PE specialists, covering different sporting disciplines every half-term. Organised lunchtime activities are available (Monday and Friday) for children across the school, and encourage 30 minutes of additional physical activity.

Children are invited to attend competitive sporting events within the local area. All children have the opportunity to run lunchtime sports clubs. Children are encouraged to and enjoy thinking of new clubs where they can stay active during lunchtimes. Children are also given the opportunity to compete in 'house competitions'. These are also linked (where possible) to the wider curriculum and major sporting events. This is an inclusive approach which endeavours to encourage not only physical development, but also mental well-being. These events also develop teamwork and leadership skills, and are very much enjoyed by the children. 

Children in KS2 undertake swimming lessons during the academic year. Children in Years 5 and 6 swim once a week during the Autumn term. Children in Year 3 and 4 swim once a week during the Spring and Summer term. 

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.

In Explorers we physically develop through thinking about our own needs. We develop our confidence through trying new activities, becoming resilient and persevering if things get a bit tricky! We understand and can manage our personal needs. 

We are constantly developing our overall body strength and are also refining movement skills and our coordination. 
We love to explore, create and develop our ideas and this in turn develops our confidence in safely using equipment both indoors and outdoors.

Physical activity in Explorers is about developing core strength, gross and fine motor control. Different activities, every day develop  our physical abilities and strength.