Intent
At Beulah Junior School, the Physical Education and Development of children is encouraged through a varied curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Focused core skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement are matched with cooperation and teamwork. We support children in developing an understanding of the importance of physical activity alongside other healthy lifestyle choices.
It has been proven that physical activity energises and invigorates not only the body but also the mind. This has positive effects on children’s capacity to concentrate and learn effectively in all areas of the curriculum. It promotes self-confidence and provides children with tremendous opportunities to work together and appreciate their own achievements and those of others.
Implementation
Our sports coach is trained to deliver quality lessons in a variety of activities to meet the aims of the PE curriculum. Each class has two sessions per week of between 45 minutes and an hour. In these sessions, a range of skills are taught
Autumn: Team games (football, rugby and basketball)
Pupils are taught a variety of ball control skills, tactics for invasion and defence and field positioning during games.
Spring: Gymnastics and Dance
Pupils are taught balance and travel skills using an increasing range of apparatus. They are learn group dance moves and expressive dance techniques.
Summer: Athletics, tennis and cricket
Pupils are taught bat and raquet control and develop accuracy in striking the ball. The further develop throwing and catching skills and fielding techniques. They also learn to hurdle whilst running and take part in relay races.
As pupils more up the school, they refine and improve their techniques in each area and are taught new skills to build on those mastered in previous year groups. Outdoor activity is part of the year 6 residential holiday at PGL.
Additional movement breaks
To ensure that pupils are fully aware of the important benefits of daily exercise, we have built in 'fitness breaks' on the days of the week when they are not scheduled for a PE lesson. These 10 minute breaks include 'daily mile' activities or fitness session or small game in the hall. This also ensures all pupils receive at least 2 hours of PE activities every week.
Swimming
Swimming is a statutory requirement and is taught in either Y5 or Y6. Pupils are taught in a fortnightly 'block' of sessions. They swim every day for an hour for this period at the local Leisure Centre in Thornton Heath. Qualified staff at the pool support their progress towards in meeting the end of KS2 goals.
The percentage of pupils who met this requirement in the year 6 cohort 2022-23 was 40%.
Extra-curricular
We currently offer football and multi-sports clubs for lower school and upper school. The clubs run for 8 week blocks and we aim to offer this for all pupils who wish to take part over the course for the year.
The DfE Physical Education Programme of Study 2014 can be assessed here:
National Curriculum - Physical Education
