Physical Education

Primary Physical Education (PE) is a crucial part of the school curriculum for children, designed to develop physical competence, confidence, and enjoyment in movement. It promotes not only physical health and fitness but also supports emotional well-being, social skills, and cognitive development. Through a variety of activities - such as games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, and outdoor pursuits - children learn key values like teamwork, perseverance, and fair play, building the foundations for a healthy and active lifestyle.

"Sport has the power to change lives. It can teach you so much about discipline, resilience, and teamwork."

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Olympic Heptathlon Champion

Intent

At Manor Drive Primary Academy, we aim to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to lead happy, healthy, and active lives. We recognise that physical activity plays a vital role in overall well-being, and we strive to foster a love for sport and movement from the moment children join us.

Using the Get Set 4 PE scheme, pupils experience a progressive curriculum that builds physical skills and boosts confidence. We encourage resilience, teamwork, leadership, and good sportsmanship, helping pupils strive to be their best while enjoying physical activity.

We offer a variety of extra-curricular clubs and sporting opportunities throughout the year, aiming to nurture confident and competent individuals who leave primary school with a passion for PE.

The national curriculum for PE ensures all pupils:

- Develop competence in a wide range of physical activities
- Are active for sustained periods
- Participate in competitive sports
- Lead healthy, active lives

By the end of each key stage, children will:

EYFS: Understand the importance of exercise, healthy eating, and hygiene. Children develop gross and fine motor skills through indoor and outdoor activities, demonstrating coordination and confidence.

Key Stage One: Master fundamental movement skills and apply them in games and dance. Engage in cooperative and competitive play, developing agility, balance, and coordination.

Key Stage Two: Refine and combine skills in a wider range of sports and activities. Collaborate, compete, and evaluate performance to improve. Participate in outdoor and adventurous challenges and develop an understanding of fitness and health.

Swimming and Water Safety (KS1 or KS2):

- Swim 25m confidently using various strokes
- Perform self-rescue in water-based situations

Implementation

PE at Manor Drive is broad and balanced, with a strong focus on fundamental movement skills embedded across all year groups. Activities include invasion games, net/wall games, striking/fielding, gymnastics, dance, OAA, and swimming.

The Curriculum Map ensures comprehensive coverage aligned with National Curriculum expectations. Get Set 4 PE provides progressive, age-appropriate lessons with clear objectives, enabling skills to be embedded through practical application in pairs and teams.

Inclusion and Accessibility:

All pupils access a tailored PE curriculum. We differentiate activities to meet the needs of all learners, including those with SEND or those working at Greater Depth. We promote equality, avoid gender stereotyping, and support full participation with adaptations where necessary.

Progression across phases:

EYFS: Explore movement and motor skills through structured and play-based activities.
Key Stage One: Build on fundamentals and introduce simple tactical games.
Key Stage Two: Apply skills in complex sports and scenarios, including specific invasion games and activities like gymnastics and dance.

Pupils enjoy two high-quality PE lessons weekly, covering both indoor and outdoor disciplines. A wide range of lunchtime and after-school clubs enhance engagement, led by staff and qualified coaches.

Cross-Curricular Links

PE contributes to other curriculum areas:
- PSHE: Promotes health, teamwork, and informed lifestyle choices.
- Science: Supports understanding of body systems and fitness.
- Social Skills: Encourages respect, cooperation, and communication.

Planning and Assessment

PE planning is based on the National Curriculum, tailored to suit our pupils. We follow a whole-school approach using Get Set 4 PE from EYFS to Year Six.

Planning includes:

- Schemes of work
- Collaborative staff discussions
- Medium and short-term plans with clear learning outcomes and differentiation

Assessment is ongoing and mainly observational, focusing on skill development. Progress is shared with parents through reports and meetings. Monitoring includes lesson observations, teacher feedback, and evidence through photographs and videos.

Impact

Pupils leave Manor Drive with improved fitness, motor skills, and a strong understanding of healthy lifestyles. They develop confidence, teamwork, and resilience, and show a positive attitude towards physical activity. Our goal is to inspire lifelong participation in sport and physical wellbeing.

 

Our PE uniform

Please note, Reception children will not need a PE kit until the Spring term (January 2024). PE kits, including trainers, will be kept in school each week.  Children are not permitted to wear jewellery during PE sessions; earrings must be removed by the children or parents and carers beforehand. We do not allow children's ears to be taped during PE lessons.

Summer

  • Royal blue t-shirt with school logo on 

  • Plain white t-shirt

  • Plain black shorts  

  • Trainers 

*Children are occasionally barefoot when using the hall


Winter

  • Royal blue t-shirt with school logo on 

  • Plain white t-shirt

  • Plain black jogging bottoms or tracksuit bottoms 

  • Plain black sweatshirt or hoodie

  • Hoodie with the school logo on 

  • Trainers 

*Children are occasionally barefoot when using the hall

Here you can see our PE curriculum overview: