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Physical Education and Sport
Our quality PE programme provides pupils with a range of key learning experiences that cannot be achieved in the classroom. The progression of fundamental movement skills, transitioning into more specific recognised sports allows pupils to develop mentally and physically whilst at the same time gaining confidence and a natural competitive instinct.
At St Patricks, children are offered a varied curriculum, which includes games, gymnastics and dance. In KS2 children will also receive swimming instruction. All physical activities contribute to the growth, body development, and the overall wellbeing of every pupil and, year after year, the children will revisit core skills to build and improve upon. We offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities that feed into the competitions we take part in. This includes Local School Games and Catholic Partnership tournaments. We believe opportunities to compete in sport and other activities builds character and helps to embed values such as fairness, respect, perseverance, determination, self-belief and co-operation. Through this, children will develop positive attitudes to physical endeavour including fair play, sporting behaviour, and an ability to cope with success and failure.
*Swimming in Y3 and Y4 with a catch-up programme in Y5 and Y6 (If necessary).
*KS1 and KS2 dance throughout the year.
Intention
St Patrick’s Primary School believes that Physical Education (PE) when experienced in a safe and supportive environment is an essential and unique contributor to a pupil’s education. PE is an integral part of our curriculum that is inclusive and engages all pupils, in a supportive and challenging environment. We aspire for children to acquire, develop and refine their practical skills and techniques; to further their knowledge and understanding of PE concepts and principles and develop their overall competence, to enjoy and excel in a broad range of sports and physical activities. We intend to deliver high – quality teaching and learning opportunities that inspire all of our children to succeed in PE lessons. We want our children to be creative, competitive, cooperative and collaborative as individuals and in teams. We aim to support our children in developing life skills by teaching them to swim safely. Our objective is for all of our children to leave primary school being able to swim at least 25 metres. We understand the importance PE, School Sport and Physical Activity has on children’s general health, fitness and mental wellbeing. Our curriculum gives our pupils the opportunity to be physically active for sustained periods and we teach children the importance of leading healthy, active lives and making informed and appropriate lifestyle choices.
Implementation
The subject leader takes the lead in policy development, using specialists where appropriate. This is led proactively and in accordance with all guidance given by J C Academy and Katie Driscoll Dance Klass (KDDK). Senior Leaders, the subject leader and sport coaches monitor coverage, differentiation and ensure high quality teaching is taking place from EYFS to Year 6. The long-term plan sets out the PE units ensure that the requirements of the National Curriculum are met. Children in EYFS participate in a structured one-hour PE lesson per week where they spend time learning basic principles of a PE lesson such as finding space, freezing on command, using and sharing equipment and working individually, with a partner and in a group. Children in EYFS also work towards the Early Learning Goals (ELG’s) for Physical Development. They work inside and outside using a variety of equipment such as benches, climbing apparatus, bats, balls and bikes daily. Teaching staff deliver high quality PE and Dance lessons for two hours per week over two sessions in KS1. In KS1, children build on the fundamental skills taught in EYFS and aim to master basic skill movements such as running, throwing, jumping and catching as well as being able to develop balance, agility and coordination. In KS2, children are also taught two, one-hour PE sessions, which include competitive invasion games, dance, gymnastics and swimming (Year 3 and Year 4). Children in KS2 will learn how to apply all of the skills taught throughout their school journey in isolation and combination. Children are encouraged to participate in the varied range of extracurricular activities. Lunchtime sports clubs are available three times a week to KS1 and KS2. Children in KS1 and KS2 can also attend after school sports clubs four evenings per week. Each year a small group of Year 6 children are invited to become Sports Leaders for the school. They develop into sporting role models for the younger children, assisting with lunchtime clubs and our annual sports day. Swimming lessons are provided for children in Year 3 and Year 4 throughout the academic year. We offer a Residential OAA experience for all children in Years 4, 5 and 6.
Impact
Our PE curriculum is inclusive and progressive; it allows all children the opportunity to acquire and develop fundamental knowledge, understanding, skills and techniques and apply these to a wide variety of different sports and activities. PE lessons are fun, enjoyable and challenging. All children can achieve to the best of their ability, in a supportive, safe and stimulating environment. Our pupils are physically active, and this has a positive impact on their learning in the classroom. Children understand how to lead a healthy lifestyle and understand the importance of regular exercise and activity for their physical and mental wellbeing. We aspire for all children to enjoy PE and develop a love of sport and physical activity, which becomes part of their future life outside of Primary School.
Competitive sport
Competitive sport encourages values in students such as confidence, resilience and commitment that can be carried across into other academic work. It is a vehicle in which to develop school spirit and foster a sense of responsibility. We actively encourage children to lead through the role of ‘team captain’ at St Patricks and have found this enables children to develop communication and leadership skills.
At St Patrick’s, we take part in a number of different competitions and tournaments throughout the year designed to target both our gifted children, but also those children who have not yet received the opportunity to represent the school within a competitive environment. At St Patrick’s we believe in equal opportunities regardless of ability or circumstances. As such, we ensure our children take part in both tournaments and sporting festivals
Swimming
Children receive swimming provision at Walsall Gala Swimming and Fitness Centre and follow a progressive programme in their lessons. This begins in Year 3 and is continued in Year 4 with a catch-up programme available in Year 5 and 6 if necessary.
At St Patrick’s we are committed and determined to achieve the Nation Curriculum's expectations that all children leave primary education being able to swim at least 25m safely and confidently, using a range of strokes and techniques.
In order to support children’s progression, we do encourage all parents to utilise their local swimming facilities. Please find links and details below.
Walsall Gala Swimming and Fitness Centre
If parents wish to enquire about additional swimming lessons at Walsall Gala, please see contact details below.
Telephone: 01922 653150