Rationale

At St. Paul’s CE Primary School, we believe Physical Education is a vital part of a child’s development and a lifelong gift that supports health, wellbeing, and confidence. PE provides a universal and inclusive opportunity for all children to move, learn, and thrive together. It unlocks self-expression through physical activity, fosters teamwork and connection, and nurtures the whole child. Our PE curriculum is rooted in our Christian vision, “Together we Grow, Love to Learn, Shine and Make a Difference,” and “Letting your light shine” (Matthew 5:16), enabling every child to develop resilience, confidence, and a positive sense of self.

Our PE curriculum is grounded in the belief that every child, regardless of background, ability, or experience, has the right to participate in and enjoy physical activity. We are committed to a practical and inclusive approach where children learn through active participation — running, jumping, throwing, balancing, competing, cooperating, and reflecting together. We provide a safe, supportive, and joyful environment where all children, including those with additional needs, can Shine.

PE is not a privilege for the few, but an essential entitlement for all. By making physical activity an active and accessible part of school life, we empower every child to participate, enjoy being active, and flourish physically, socially, and emotionally.

Overview

Physical Education is woven into the fabric of school life at St. Paul’s. From structured PE lessons to active playtimes, from sports days to inter-school competitions and enrichment opportunities, PE brings our community together through teamwork, challenge, and shared achievement. It is a vibrant and highly valued part of life at St. Paul’s. Our progressive curriculum develops children’s physical skills, fitness, and understanding of healthy lifestyles while nurturing their spiritual, emotional, and social growth. It provides opportunities for creativity, resilience, leadership, and collaboration, including with other schools within the Trust.

Intent

Our PE curriculum aims to:

• Enable all children to find joy, confidence, and success through active physical participation
• Foster a lifelong love of sport, physical activity, and healthy living through rich, varied experiences
• Develop practical physical skills through games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, and outdoor and adventurous activity, building coordination, control, and fitness
• Reflect the values of respect, friendship, perseverance, and service, helping children work cooperatively, compete fairly, and support others
• Celebrate diversity and expose pupils to a wide range of sports, physical activities, and traditions from different cultures and contexts
• Include and celebrate all children, offering varied ways to participate, succeed, and develop personal bests
• Provide accessible, inclusive opportunities for pupils with SEND to thrive physically, socially, and emotionally
• Support social and emotional development through teamwork, communication, resilience, and reflection

Implementation

Each strand of PE is taught across school (see long term planning overview) covering dance, gymnastics, athletics and a range of multi-skills and games. Year 3 and 4 also attend swimming lessons for one term each.

Planning meets the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum and our aim is to provide children with two hours of high quality PE and school sport per week.

The Get Set for PE scheme is followed by all class teachers and by the coach from OACT.

PE is taught by class teachers a and coach from Oldham Athletic Community Trust. We provide a range of high quality physical activity opportunities within and outside the curriculum to increase pupil participation which:

  consider the needs and interests of all pupils

  promote positive attitudes towards participation in physical activity for all pupils.

  enable pupils to develop a full range of basic movement skills

  Increase pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the importance of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

  Where pupils are separated by gender, for competitive reasons, PE teachers will take into account the range of size, build and ability of individuals in the class and differentiate accordingly to keep all students safe.

See our EYFS policy for information on how our Early Years Curriculum is delivered.

Inclusion

Teachers set high expectations for all pupils. They will use appropriate assessment to set ambitious targets and plan challenging activities for all groups, including:

  More able pupils

  Pupils with low prior attainment

  Pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds

  Pupils with SEND

  Pupils with English as an additional language (EAL)

  Pupils with physical disabilities

Pupils from The Vine Additional Resource Provision integrate with mainstream classes for some lessons and have their own bespoke lessons as a smaller group. The Get Set scheme offers adaptations for children with SEND which teaching staff use support pupils if necessary.

Impact