At our school, Physical Education is an exciting opportunity for children to develop their confidence, resilience and enjoyment of being active. We want children to experience the benefits of physical activity while developing the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to lead healthy, active lives. We encourage children to challenge themselves, work collaboratively and demonstrate determination, respect and sportsmanship in all that they do.
PE lessons are engaging, active and inclusive, helping pupils to develop their fundamental movement skills and physical competence. Children participate in a wide range of activities, including games, athletics, gymnastics, dance, outdoor and adventurous activities, and swimming, applying their skills in different contexts and situations.
We bring Physical Education to life through competitions, festivals, sporting events, clubs and enrichment opportunities. Children have the chance to represent the school, participate in personal challenges and work as part of a team, while developing leadership, communication and cooperation skills. These meaningful experiences help pupils to understand the importance of physical activity, teamwork and perseverance both in sport and everyday life.
Active learning is at the heart of our PE curriculum. Pupils enjoy developing their agility, balance, coordination, strength and fitness through a variety of practical activities. They learn to perform skills with increasing control and accuracy, apply tactics and strategies, evaluate their own performance and celebrate both individual and team achievements.
As children move through the school, they develop important physical, social and emotional skills. They learn how to compete fairly, work collaboratively, show resilience in the face of challenge and strive for continuous improvement. They begin to understand the positive impact that regular exercise, healthy lifestyles and good wellbeing can have on both body and mind.
By the time pupils leave our school, we want them to be confident, resilient and enthusiastic participants in physical activity. We aim for pupils to have the skills, knowledge and motivation to enjoy sport and exercise throughout their lives, recognising the value of teamwork, determination and healthy living as they continue their journey beyond primary school.
At DPS we believe that high-quality Physical Education inspires all children to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. Our PE curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure pupils build upon prior learning, developing physical competence, resilience, teamwork and a lifelong enjoyment of sport and physical activity.
Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and supported by HCAT progression documents, ensuring knowledge and skills are developed progressively from EYFS through to Year 6. Lessons are engaging, inclusive and ambitious, providing opportunities for every child to participate, achieve and succeed, regardless of their starting point or ability.
Through Physical Education, we strive to develop not only pupils’ physical abilities but also the personal qualities that will support them throughout life. Children learn the importance of determination, cooperation, leadership, respect, self-discipline and sportsmanship. They are encouraged to challenge themselves, celebrate success, learn from setbacks and recognise the positive impact that regular physical activity can have on both physical and mental wellbeing.
Our PE curriculum is organised around six key areas which are revisited and built upon throughout each child’s journey at DPS:
These areas are underpinned by the core themes of Health and Fitness, Personal and Social Development, and Evaluating and Improving Performance, ensuring that pupils develop as confident, capable and reflective learners. Through a wide range of sporting experiences, competitions, festivals and enrichment opportunities, children learn to work collaboratively, compete fairly and apply key skills in a variety of contexts.
Ultimately, we aim to nurture physically literate pupils who understand the value of an active lifestyle, embrace challenge, and leave DPS with the confidence, motivation and enthusiasm to participate in sport and physical activity throughout their lives.
Physical Education is taught as a discrete subject and follows a carefully sequenced curriculum that enables pupils to progressively develop their physical skills, knowledge and understanding throughout their time in school. Through a broad range of activities and sporting experiences, children build confidence, competence and a lifelong appreciation of physical activity.
Lessons are delivered using the principles of the Accelerated Learning Cycle, creating a supportive and challenging environment where pupils are actively engaged in their learning. Children are encouraged to participate fully, take risks, reflect on their performance and apply their learning in a variety of contexts.
Within each unit, pupils are supported to:
Learning is carefully planned to ensure pupils build on prior knowledge and experiences, allowing them to make sustained progress across all areas of PE. Teachers create opportunities for children to work independently, collaboratively and competitively, helping them develop both physical competence and important personal skills.
Beyond curriculum lessons, pupils benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities including swimming, extra-curricular clubs, competitive sport, festivals and inter-school events. These experiences encourage participation, inspire a love of physical activity and promote healthy, active lifestyles.
The impact of our PE curriculum is measured through ongoing assessment, observation and pupil reflection, ensuring that all children make progress and achieve their potential.
Teachers continually assess learning throughout lessons, adapting teaching and providing appropriate support or challenge to meet individual needs. Assessment focuses on the development and application of skills, knowledge, fitness, teamwork and personal qualities such as resilience, determination and leadership.
By the time they leave DPS, our pupils are physically literate, confident and enthusiastic young people who understand the value of teamwork, perseverance and healthy living, and are well prepared to continue participating in sport and physical activity throughout their lives
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