Physical Education
“A high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities. It should provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect.”
St John Vianney Catholic Primary School is proud to hold the Platinum School Games Mark, recognising our commitment to providing high-quality Physical Education, school sport and physical activity opportunities for all pupils.
Welcome to Physical Education
Intent
At St John Vianney Catholic Primary School, we believe Physical Education plays a vital role in children’s physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing. Through our PE curriculum, we aim to inspire all pupils to enjoy being active, develop confidence and resilience, and understand the importance of leading healthy lifestyles.
Our curriculum is built around five key areas:
- Movement
- Tactics and Strategy
- Personal Development
- Leadership
- Healthy Lifestyles
The aims of Physical Education (PE) at our school are that all children:
- Adopt an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Develop a range of sporting skills across the curriculum, including swimming.
- Are physically active for sustained periods of time.
- Participate in a range of competitive and non-competitive activities.
- Understand the importance of exercise, health and wellbeing.
- Develop confidence, resilience and determination.
- Demonstrate fairness, respect and sportsmanship.
- Enjoy physical activity and develop a lifelong love of sport.
Implementation
PE is taught using the PE Passport curriculum, providing clear progression in knowledge, skills and vocabulary from Reception to Year 6.
Children receive two PE lessons each week and take part in a broad range of activities including:
- Athletics
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Invasion Games
- Net and Wall Games
- Striking and Fielding
- Outdoor Adventurous Activities
- Swimming
We teach lessons so that children:
- Enjoy PE and being physically active.
- Develop confidence and self-belief.
- Learn, practise and apply a range of skills and tactics.
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with others.
- Experience challenge and success.
- Develop resilience and determination.
- Understand the importance of fair play.
- Build foundations for lifelong participation in physical activity.
Our curriculum is further enriched through clubs, competitions, festivals and sporting events throughout the year.
EYFS
Physical Development is a fundamental area of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Nursery and Reception children have daily access to a rich outdoor learning environment which supports gross and fine motor development. Children engage in activities using climbing equipment, bicycles, tricycles, balls, hoops and fine motor resources.
Reception children also participate in two structured PE lessons per week where they develop Fundamental Movement Skills including balance, agility, coordination, object control and spatial awareness.
KS1
Within Key Stage 1, children develop their fundamental movement skills through a range of activities including gymnastics, dance, athletics and games.
When children leave Key Stage 1 we expect them to be able to:
- Master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching.
- Develop balance, agility and coordination.
- Apply skills in a range of activities.
- Participate successfully in team games.
- Develop simple attacking and defending tactics.
- Perform dances using simple movement patterns.
KS2
Within Key Stage 2, children continue to develop and apply a wider range of skills, tactics and strategies across a variety of sports and physical activities.
When children leave Key Stage 2 we expect them to be able to:
- Use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and combination.
- Apply attacking and defending principles in competitive games.
- Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance.
- Perform dances using a variety of movement patterns.
- Participate in Outdoor Adventurous Activities.
- Compare performances and strive to achieve their personal best.
Swimming
Children are taught to:
- Swim confidently and competently over at least 25 metres.
- Use a range of recognised swimming strokes effectively.
- Perform safe self-rescue techniques in a variety of water-based situations.
Leadership Opportunities
Leadership is a key feature of Physical Education at St John Vianney Catholic Primary School.
Pupils have opportunities to become:
- Sports Captains
- Sports Leaders
- PE Ambassadors
These important roles help children develop communication, organisation, responsibility and leadership skills whilst promoting positive attitudes towards physical activity across the school.
Health and Wellbeing
Promoting healthy lifestyles is central to our PE curriculum.
We work closely with Blackpool Football Club Community Trust to deliver the Fit2Go Programme with Year 4 pupils. Through this programme, children learn about:
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Positive lifestyle choices
- Mental wellbeing
We encourage all pupils to understand the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind through regular exercise and positive lifestyle habits.
Differentiation
All lessons are planned to meet the needs of every learner.
Teachers differentiate learning through:
- Adapted activities and challenges.
- Modifications to equipment and resources.
- Flexible groupings.
- Additional adult support where appropriate.
- Leadership and extension opportunities for more able pupils.
This ensures every child can access learning, make progress and experience success.
Organisation, Planning and Resources
PE is planned using PE Passport to ensure progression in knowledge, skills and vocabulary throughout the school.
Resources and equipment are regularly monitored and maintained to support the effective delivery of the curriculum and provide high-quality learning opportunities for all pupils.
Health & Safety
Health and safety is of paramount importance in all PE lessons and sporting activities.
Children are taught how to use equipment safely, follow instructions and work responsibly with others. Staff routinely check learning environments and equipment to ensure activities can be carried out safely and effectively.
PE Kit
Children are expected to wear the correct PE kit on PE days.
The St John Vianney PE kit consists of:
- Green SJV logo PE top
- Black shorts or black sports trousers
- Suitable trainers or pumps
- Black SJV logo zip-up jacket
For health and safety reasons:
- Jewellery must be removed before PE lessons.
- Long hair must be tied back.
- Appropriate footwear must be worn.
Missing PE
Children should participate in PE wherever possible.
If a child is unable to take part due to illness or injury, parents or carers should inform the school. Where appropriate, pupils will remain involved in lessons through roles such as scorekeeper, referee, coach, leader, observer or evaluator.
Accidents
Any accidents or injuries are dealt with in line with the school’s first aid and accident procedures. Parents and carers will be informed where necessary and all incidents are recorded appropriately.
Extra-Curricular Learning
We are proud to offer a wide range of sporting opportunities beyond the curriculum.
Clubs, festivals and enrichment activities take place throughout the year, providing pupils with further opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and enjoy being active.
Coaches
We work alongside a range of external providers to enhance our PE provision and provide additional opportunities for our pupils.
These partnerships include:
- Active Blackpool
- Fylde Rugby Club
- Bikeability
All visiting coaches are appropriately qualified and vetted in accordance with school safeguarding procedures.
Competition
As a Platinum School Games Mark school, competition forms an important part of our PE provision.
Children regularly participate in:
- Inter-house competitions
- Sports festivals
- Personal Best challenges
- Football competitions
- Tag Rugby festivals
- Swimming galas
- Athletics events
- Blackpool Youth Games
Our annual Sports Day, held at Stanley Park Athletics Track, provides pupils with the opportunity to compete in a professional sporting environment and celebrate achievement, determination and sportsmanship.
Impact
Our PE curriculum develops physically literate, confident and resilient learners who understand the importance of leading healthy, active lifestyles.
Children leave St John Vianney with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to participate successfully in sport and physical activity. They understand the importance of teamwork, leadership, perseverance and respect and are prepared to continue their sporting journey beyond primary school.
Assessment
Assessment is ongoing throughout PE lessons and is recorded using PE Passport.
Teachers use:
- Observation
- Questioning
- Self-assessment
- Peer assessment
- Practical performance
Assessment information helps teachers identify strengths, next steps and future learning opportunities.
Role of the Subject Leader
The PE Subject Leader is responsible for leading, developing and monitoring Physical Education across the school.
Key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring teaching and learning.
- Reviewing curriculum coverage.
- Supporting staff development.
- Organising resources and equipment.
- Monitoring assessment and participation.
- Promoting competition and extracurricular opportunities.
- Gathering pupil voice through Sports Captains and PE Ambassadors.
The Subject Leader works closely with senior leaders, governors and external partners to maintain high standards across the subject.
Staff Development
We are committed to ensuring staff receive high-quality professional development in Physical Education.
Training opportunities are identified through monitoring, staff discussions and school improvement priorities. Staff are encouraged to develop their subject knowledge and confidence to ensure high-quality PE provision for all pupils.
Fundamental British Values
Physical Education provides many opportunities to promote Fundamental British Values.
Children learn to:
- Respect rules and fair play.
- Show mutual respect towards others.
- Work cooperatively as part of a team.
- Celebrate diversity and inclusion.
- Take responsibility for their actions.
- Develop leadership and decision-making skills.
Through PE, children are encouraged to become responsible, respectful and active members of society.






