Physical Education (PE)
Intent
At Radley Primary School, Physical Education plays a central role in developing the whole child. Through high-quality PE, we promote physical health, emotional well-being, confidence, and positive attitudes towards active lifestyles. PE enables pupils to experience success, challenge themselves, and develop a strong sense of self-belief, while learning how to care for their bodies and minds.
Our PE curriculum is rooted in our school vision: “I come to give life: Life in its fullness.” We believe that an active, healthy lifestyle is fundamental to living life fully. PE provides pupils with rich opportunities to flourish physically, socially, and emotionally, helping them to develop the skills and attitudes they need to thrive both now and in the future.
Through PE, pupils actively develop the Radley R’s, as they learn to show resilience when faced with physical challenges, respect for others through teamwork and fair play, and responsibility for their own health and well-being. Lessons encourage perseverance, cooperation, and self-discipline, reinforcing these core values in meaningful and practical ways.
By studying Physical Education at Radley Primary School, pupils will become physically competent, confident, and motivated individuals who enjoy being active. They will develop a broad range of physical skills, knowledge of healthy lifestyles, and the confidence to participate in a variety of sports and physical activities. Pupils will understand the importance of physical activity for both physical and mental health and will be equipped with the enthusiasm and skills needed to remain active throughout their lives.
Implementation
Broad and Balanced Curriculum
At Radley Primary School, we ensure that our Physical Education curriculum is broad, balanced, and inclusive, providing all pupils with opportunities to experience a wide range of physical activities in line with the National Curriculum for Physical Education. These include team games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, swimming, and outdoor and adventurous activities.
The curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ physical skills, knowledge, and understanding, enabling them to become confident, competent, and enthusiastic participants in physical activity. Through both competitive and non-competitive experiences, pupils learn how to apply skills, understand rules and tactics, work collaboratively, and challenge themselves appropriately.
Our PE curriculum reflects the needs of all learners and supports pupils’ physical, social, and emotional development.
Clear Progression
There is a well-planned and coherent progression within the PE curriculum, ensuring that pupils build on their prior learning as they move through the school. Skills are introduced at an age-appropriate level and are then revisited and developed with increasing complexity, confidence, and independence from the early years through to Key Stage 2.
Learning objectives are clearly defined and aligned with the National Curriculum for Physical Education, ensuring clear progression from one stage to the next. A subject overview and progression map set out how key skills, knowledge, and understanding are developed across year groups and across different areas of physical activity.
A range of teaching approaches, including individual, pair, and group work, enables pupils to practise, apply, and refine skills effectively in a supportive and inclusive environment.
High-Quality Teaching
A range of pedagogical approaches is used within PE lessons, including clear demonstrations, structured practice, targeted feedback, and opportunities for reflection. Lessons are carefully planned to include individual, pair, and group work, allowing pupils to develop physical skills, teamwork, and independence. Teachers use assessment for learning to adapt lessons and provide appropriate challenge and support for all pupils.
Inclusive Provision
Inclusivity is central to the PE curriculum at Radley Primary School. All pupils are encouraged to participate fully, regardless of ability, gender, or background. Lessons are adapted and differentiated to meet the needs of all learners, including pupils with SEND and those who are more able.
The PE curriculum also provides opportunities to broaden pupils’ experiences and promote cultural enrichment. Through a varied programme that includes dance, games, and outdoor activities, pupils are introduced to activities from different cultures and traditions. Participation in festivals, competitions, clubs, and events further enhances pupils’ understanding of teamwork, respect, and diversity.
Extra-Curricular and Competitive Opportunities
In addition to the regular curriculum, the school offers a range of opportunities for competitive sports through the Abingdon Schools Partnership. This includes participation in inter-school competitions, intra-school sports events, and local community sports initiatives. The school also encourages pupils to strive for excellence and provides avenues for identified talented athletes to compete at higher levels.
Impact
Physical Education at Radley Primary School has a positive and lasting impact on pupils’ physical, social, and emotional development. Pupils make strong progress in their physical skills and confidence, demonstrate positive attitudes towards physical activity, and develop important values such as teamwork, resilience, respect, and fair play. They gain a clear understanding of the importance of leading healthy, active lifestyles and feel included, valued, and motivated to take part in PE and sporting activities.
The impact of the PE curriculum is monitored through ongoing teacher assessment, observation of pupils’ engagement and participation, and regular review of learning outcomes in line with age-related expectations. Pupil voice, participation in clubs and
competitions, and feedback from staff and pupils help to inform future planning and ensure the curriculum continues to meet the needs of all learners. Achievements and successes in PE are celebrated through assemblies, newsletters, and the school website, and the subject is continually reviewed by staff to maintain high standards and improve provision for all pupils.
The intent of PE at Radley Primary School is to provide a curriculum that is ambitious and designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills of all pupils. It aims to promote a lifelong love for physical activity, while also fostering positive values such as teamwork, resilience, and self-discipline. The PE curriculum seeks to enable pupils to develop physical competence and confidence across a range of sports and physical activities, while also promoting their physical and mental well-being.