At St Charles. our Physical Education curriculum aims to inspire all pupils to develop confidence, competence and enjoyment in a wide range of physical activities and sports. Through a broad programme of activities, pupils build fundamental movement skills, teamwork and resilience while developing an understanding of the importance of health, fitness and fair play.
“Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.”
— John F. Kennedy
What PE looks like at St Charles
At St Charles Catholic Primary School, Physical Education is inclusive, engaging and focused on developing both physical competence and a lifelong enjoyment of sport. Our pupils:
- Develop fundamental movement skills including balance, agility and coordination
- Participate in a wide range of sports, games and physical activities
- Build confidence through individual and team challenges
- Learn how to work collaboratively, showing respect, fairness and good sportsmanship
- Develop resilience, determination and a positive attitude towards physical challenge
- Understand the importance of physical activity for health and wellbeing
Through structured practice, teamwork and reflection, pupils build the skills and confidence needed to lead active and healthy lives.
Intent
At St Charles Catholic Primary School, our Physical Education curriculum aims to inspire all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities.
From Early Years to Year 6, pupils develop the fundamental movement skills, tactical understanding and personal qualities needed to participate confidently in a variety of sports and physical activities.
We want children to:
- Develop fundamental movement skills
- Improve coordination, balance and agility
- Understand tactics and strategies in games
- Work effectively as individuals and as part of a team
- Demonstrate resilience, determination and sportsmanship
- Understand the importance of health, fitness and wellbeing
Our curriculum develops both physical competence and knowledge of sport and physical activity, ensuring pupils not only perform skills but also understand how and why physical activity benefits their bodies and minds.
Through a broad and balanced programme of activities, including games, swimming, gymnastics, dance, athletics and outdoor activities, pupils experience a wide range of sporting opportunities. We aim to develop confident, resilient learners who are motivated to remain physically active throughout their lives.
Rooted in our Catholic ethos, pupils are encouraged to show respect, fairness and humility in both success and challenge, recognising the importance of teamwork and supporting others.
Implementation
Early Foundations (EYFS)
In Nursery and Reception, children develop their physical skills through active play, exploration and structured movement activities.
They practise:
- Running, jumping, climbing and balancing
- Using space safely and confidently
- Developing coordination and control
- Working cooperatively with others during physical activities
These early experiences develop core strength, coordination and confidence, forming the foundation for future learning in Physical Education.
A progressive Curriculum (KS1 and KS2)
Physical Education is taught through carefully planned units that progressively develop pupils’ physical skills, tactical understanding and knowledge of healthy lifestyles.
Across Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils participate in a range of activities including:
- Invasion games
- Net and wall games
- Striking and fielding games
- Gymnastics
- Dance
- Athletics
- Outdoor and adventurous activities
Skills are taught explicitly and practised regularly so that pupils can refine and apply them in increasingly complex situations.
Each unit identifies key skills and knowledge that pupils must secure. These are revisited and built upon over time to ensure pupils develop confidence and competence.
Developing Physical Skills
Physical skills are taught progressively throughout the school. Pupils develop:
- Balance, agility and coordination
- Control and accuracy when performing movements
- Tactical understanding in competitive games
- Creativity and expression in dance and gymnastics
- Endurance and performance in athletics
As pupils move through the school, they apply these skills in competitive situations and collaborative team environments.
Knowledge of Health and Fitness
Alongside physical performance, pupils learn about:
- The importance of regular exercise
- How physical activity affects the body
- The benefits of warm-ups and cool-downs
- Healthy lifestyles and wellbeing
- Teamwork, leadership and communication
This knowledge helps pupils understand why physical activity is important and encourages them to develop lifelong healthy habits.
Enrichment and Competitive Opportunities
Physical Education is enriched through opportunities that allow pupils to apply their skills in real-life contexts.
These include:
- Inter-school sports competitions
- Intra-school tournaments
- Sports clubs and extra-curricular activities
- Sports Day and whole-school events
- Opportunities to experience a range of sports and physical challenges
These experiences build confidence, teamwork and enjoyment of sport while helping pupils develop resilience and a sense of achievement.
Inclusion and Adaptive Teaching
At St Charles Catholic Primary School, we believe that all pupils should experience success and enjoyment in Physical Education.
Teachers use a range of adaptive teaching strategies to ensure lessons are accessible while maintaining high expectations.
These include:
- Modelling physical skills step-by-step
- Breaking down complex movements into manageable stages
- Using demonstrations and visual cues
- Adjusting equipment, space or rules where appropriate
- Providing additional practice opportunities
- Encouraging peer support and teamwork
- Offering greater challenge through leadership roles or advanced techniques
Support is responsive and purposeful, ensuring every pupil can develop confidence, competence and enjoyment in physical activity.
Impact
As a result of our Physical Education curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to participate confidently in a wide range of physical activities.
They demonstrate improved coordination, balance, strength and teamwork as they progress through the school. Pupils show resilience when faced with physical challenges and develop a positive attitude towards sport and physical activity.
By the end of Year 6, pupils understand the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and have the confidence to participate in sport both in school and beyond.
They leave St Charles Catholic Primary School as enthusiastic, active learners who appreciate the importance of health, teamwork and perseverance.
How you can help at home
You can support your child’s physical development and enjoyment of sport in simple ways:
- Encourage regular physical activity such as walking, cycling or playing outside.
- Practise fundamental skills like throwing, catching, balancing and jumping.
- Watch or play sports together and talk about teamwork and strategies.
- Encourage perseverance and celebrate effort as well as success.
- Discuss the importance of staying active and living a healthy lifestyle.
- Support your child in participating in sports clubs or community activities where possible.
Helping children develop confidence in physical activity supports their health, wellbeing and enjoyment of sport for life.