Intent

We have developed a Physical Education (PE) curriculum that aims to inspire all pupils at Bethany Junior School to enjoy being active, develop physical competence, and understand the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Our curriculum is underpinned by the Complete PE programme, which provides a progressive, inclusive, and engaging framework for developing physical literacy, personal growth, and a lifelong love of movement.

We believe that the following are the key attributes of a physically educated child, and we aim for all our pupils to develop these:

• Competence in a broad range of physical activities
• Confidence to take part in physical activity and sport
• Understanding of how to improve and evaluate performance
• Knowledge of how physical activity contributes to health and wellbeing
• Enjoyment of physical activity, leading to lifelong participation

Our curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils:

• Are physically active for sustained periods of time
• Engage in competitive and cooperative physical activities
• Develop key skills such as agility, balance, coordination, and teamwork
• Learn to lead, officiate, and support others in physical activity

We also place a strong emphasis on personal development, including resilience, respect, fairness, and leadership. A key part of this is our Year 6 Sports Leaders programme. These pupils are trained to support and lead activities for younger children, promoting enjoyment, inclusion, and positive attitudes towards PE across the school.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure progression in both physical skills and cognitive understanding. We have liaised with our feeder Infant school to ensure continuity and progression, avoiding repetition and building on prior learning.

We have embedded two key themes throughout our PE curriculum:

• Physical literacy and skill development – building the foundations for lifelong physical activity
• Character and leadership – using sport and movement to develop the whole child

 

Implementation

We adopt a practical, inclusive, and skills-based approach to the teaching and learning of PE, which develops our pupils as confident, capable, and enthusiastic participants in physical activity. Our curriculum is delivered through the Complete PE programme, which provides high-quality, progressive units of work that ensure consistency, challenge, and clear learning outcomes across all year groups.

Each unit focuses on developing fundamental movement skills, sport-specific techniques, and broader physical competencies. Lessons are structured to include warm-ups, skill development, application in game or performance contexts, and opportunities for reflection and self-assessment.

Pupils experience a wide range of physical activities including:

• Invasion games
• Net and wall games
• Striking and fielding
• Gymnastics
• Dance
• Athletics
• Outdoor and adventurous activities

We ensure that all pupils are active for sustained periods during lessons and that they are given opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively. Lessons are inclusive and differentiated to meet the needs of all learners.

A key feature of our implementation is the Year 6 Sports Leaders programme. These pupils receive training in leadership, communication, and organisation, and play an active role in supporting PE lessons and leading physical activities for younger pupils. This not only enhances the experience for younger children but also develops the leadership and responsibility of our older pupils.

We also provide opportunities for pupils to participate in intra- and inter-school competitions, festivals, and enrichment activities. These experiences help to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement.

Cross-curricular links are made where appropriate, particularly with Science (health and the body), PSHE (teamwork and resilience), and Maths (measuring and scoring). We also promote physical activity beyond the curriculum through active playtimes, after-school clubs, and whole-school events such as Sports Day.

 

Impact

For each unit of work in PE, there are clearly defined learning outcomes that identify the knowledge, skills, and understanding pupils should acquire. These outcomes are aligned with the National Curriculum and the progression framework provided by Complete PE.

Teachers assess pupils formatively throughout each unit using observation, questioning, peer and self-assessment, and performance tasks. This allows them to adapt teaching to meet the needs of all learners and to ensure that progress is being made.

We recognise that not all pupils will achieve the expected outcomes at the same time. Therefore, we have identified expected outcomes for pupils working towards the expected standard, as well as for those working at greater depth. This ensures that all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately.

The impact of our curriculum is that pupils leave our school with:

• A secure foundation in physical skills and knowledge
• A positive attitude towards physical activity and healthy living
• The confidence to participate in a range of sports and activities
• The ability to work as part of a team and to lead others
• An understanding of how physical activity contributes to their overall wellbeing
• Our pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their education and for leading active, healthy lives.