Physical Education (PE)

At Upton St James (USJ), we endeavour to provide all pupils, irrespective of their academic or  

physical ability, the opportunity to discover their physical potential through an engaging and  

balanced programme of physical and sporting activities, helping children by encouraging them to  

‘rising to their best’.  

Physical Education (P.E) involves both ‘learning to move’ (i.e. becoming more physically competent)  

and ‘moving to learn’ (e.g. learning through movement, a range of skills and understandings beyond  

physical activity, such as co-operating with others), as well as learning about the importance of  

physical exercise for health and wellbeing ('Love your neighbour as yourself' (Mark 12 v30-31)  

At USJ, we believe it holds the key to many other developmental aspects and aim to develop young  

people who: - 

• Understand P.E. and sport as part of a healthy, active lifestyle  

• Have the confidence and resilience to excel in P.E. lessons and sporting activity  

• Develop the knowledge, relevant skills and control across a wide-range of physical activities  

• Willingly take part in a range of competitive, creative and challenge type activities in and out of  

school  

• Enjoy P.E, school and community sport 

PE in EYFS Children in the EYFS (Reception class) are given daily opportunities to develop their  

physical development. Through both explicit P.E. teaching and physical development opportunities  

in the continuous provision, children are enabled to develop their knowledge within the strands of  

gross motor and fine motor.  

By the end of Reception, the aim is for children to show good co-ordination and control in both  

small and large movements, move confidently in a range of ways and handle equipment and tools  

effectively and manage their needs in a hygienic and healthy manner for the transition to Year 1.  

From Year 1 upwards, children have two discrete P.E. lessons each week that are combined into 1  

afternoon, as well as physical activities on offer throughout the school day. One session is led by our  

peripatetic P.E. leader and the other the class teacher. The curriculum, planning and quality of  

teaching is overseen, coordinated and monitored by the P.E co-ordinator.  

Our P.E. curriculum as a minimum will include the following: 

• Multi skills  

• Netball  

• Dance  

• Tag rugby  

• Basketball  

• Hockey  

• Gymnastics  

• Tennis  

• Athletics  

• Kwik cricket  

• Volleyball  

• Badminton  

• Quick sticks  

• Rounders  

• Tri golf  

• Football  

• Outdoor and adventurous activities will also be taught throughout the year through the  

residentials, problem solving and team building activities. 

Children are invited to attend competitive sporting events within the local area wherever possible.  

This is an inclusive approach which endeavours to encourage not only physical development but  

also mental well-being, teamwork and leadership skills. We also hold a whole-school Sports Day  

every year in the Summer term. Children in key stage 2 once a week for 10 weeks – Year 3/4 in the  

Spring term and 5/6 in the Summer. Dance is taught using the DD Dance Mix scheme. This scheme  

teaches the children all about different types of dances (hand jive, African, Bollywood etc) and is  

taught every year during Autumn 2. 

Our long-term impact will be that:  

• Children will take responsibility for their own health and fitness and learn to enjoy the  competitive nature of sport in a safe environment. Our children will go on to experience success in competitive sport both inside and outside of school.  

• Children will develop positive attitudes to P.E. and sport and can discuss why it can play an important role in developing a healthy lifestyle, as evidenced through ‘pupil voice’.  

• All children will experience success in P.E. and are able to discuss their progress within the subject  

• Children become proficient in sport specific knowledge, strategic understanding, teamwork  and evaluation  

• Children will understand and demonstrate the importance of aesthetics in dance and  gymnastics  

• As a result of high-quality P.E. an increased percentage of pupils will take part in competitive sport organised through the school and outside school  

• Children will leave Upton St James ready to live happy and healthy lives, utilising the knowledge acquired through P.E. and sport in school.