PE

Why is PE important to us here at St. Joseph’s RC Primary School?
•    Children learn to appreciate the significance of exercising and a healthy lifestyle.
•    Children learn the fundamental motor skills that will allow them to develop the physical capability that in turn will produce confidence and leads to safe and successful involvement in a wide range of sports.
•    Children are encouraged to increase their fitness levels during PE including muscular and cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility.
•    Children can learn valuable lessons about accepting responsibility for their individual development leading to greater self-discipline.
•    PE gives chances for children to be creative, cooperative and competitive and to face up to diverse challenges both as individuals and in groups.
•    A ‘good workout’ helps ease anxiety, tension and stress and will result in improved attention in class.
•    Movement can be used to strengthen the understanding of several subjects taught in the classroom e.g. mathematics.  Movement has also been shown to heighten the function of our brain.
•    Many activities taught in PE require children to work in groups to solve problems.  These opportunities enable the children to learn both leadership and teamwork.
•    Sports activities are a good way to meet and make new friends.  Being confident in your own physical capabilities inspires youngsters, and later adults, to be more social.
•    PE is particularly vital to children who have yet to progress their verbal communication abilities.
•    Children learn to develop the concept of fair play, honest competition, good sportsmanship and how to handle both success and defeat.

What are the aims of PE?
•    develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
•    are physically active for sustained periods of time
•    engage in competitive sports and activities
•    lead healthy, active lives.

How is PE taught?

Every class from Year 1 to Year 6 receives a PE lesson each week with EYFS receiving a physical development session each week. We also provide children with opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities that are inclusive, enjoyable and increase children’s physical activity.

We invest in Oldham Sports Development Provision and a professional dance and gymnastic teacher and use the Val Sabin Scheme of Work, supplemented by the Tops Sports Resources, along with our Key Learning in PE Document to ensure quality teaching and learning here at St. Joseph’s.

What do we hope children will get from PE?
Our PE curriculum is progressive and allows children to develop fundamental skills and apply them to a variety of sports and activities. All children are provided with the skills and given opportunities to demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best. Our pupils are physically active and this has positive implications on their learning in the classroom. Children understand how to lead a healthy lifestyle and understand the importance of exercise.  We hope children enjoy PE and develop a love of sport, and physical activity, that they pursue outside of school and in future life outside of primary school. All pupils understand the values and importance of fair play and being a good sportsperson. Year 6 pupils leave school with the skills to self-rescue in the water and swim 25 metres competently.

What we teach across school: