Bowmansgreen Primary
School P.E
Developing discipline, skill, and teamwork through the shared love of sport
At Bowmansgreen Primary School, our intent is to provide a high-quality physical education that engages children in a diverse range of physical activities, enhancing their fitness and life choices. We strive to ensure that all pupils develop physical confidence in a way that supports their health and well-being, promoting an active lifestyle. Our curriculum helps children achieve physical, social, and emotional development while fostering positive attitudes and perseverance when faced with challenges. Additionally, we provide opportunities for all children to take part in competitive sports and activities, embedding our school values throughout their experiences.
If you would like to find out more information about how our school approaches the teaching of P.E and the impact we intent for it to have, then please read our Intent, Implementation and Impact document below.
Intent, Implementation and Impact
To achieve these aims, our curriculum is carefully structured to ensure depth and progression. Programmes of study are arranged in blocks, allowing children to develop their knowledge and skills across all areas of PE. Following the National Curriculum, our pupils build on prior learning, receiving two one-hour PE sessions per week. By the end of each key stage, children are expected to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and application of the skills outlined in the relevant unit of work. Every lesson includes progressive activities designed to engage and inspire pupils while embedding skills and knowledge.
PE lessons are delivered by the in-school sports coach, ensuring a whole-child approach that aligns with curriculum objectives. The coach models the correct use of equipment and demonstrates various techniques. Planning ensures clear progression, with lessons becoming increasingly challenging as children move through the school. Activities are adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring appropriate challenge and inclusivity. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will have experienced a variety of sports and will have had opportunities to showcase their skills in tournaments and competitions, preparing them for Key Stage 3.
To ensure high standards, pupil outcomes are regularly monitored, reflecting their understanding and progression. As children advance, they take greater ownership of their learning, fostering independence and confidence.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we focus on developing confidence and control in movement and the ability to handle equipment safely. Activities provide appropriate physical challenges, both indoors and outdoors, laying a strong foundation for future development.
Swimming is a key part of our PE curriculum and is taught in Years 4 and 5. Attainment is tracked to ensure that by the end of Key Stage 2, pupils can swim at least 25 metres and have basic water safety skills. Summative assessments are recorded in end-of-year reports for Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils, while in the EYFS, physical development is assessed through the Early Learning Goals (ELG) profile.
Our PE curriculum is enriched through cross-curricular links, particularly with science and PSHE. Pupils learn about nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, while Key Stage 2 pupils explore muscles and bones. Pupils also access extra-curricular activities, including lunchtime clubs, after-school sports, and inter-house competitions. Sport Premium funding supports physical activity and well-being both in and outside of lessons.
Beyond PE lessons, pupils develop leadership skills as Sports Ambassadors and Leaders, leading play activities at lunchtime. Year 6 pupils take part in Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA) during residential trips and educational visits. Visitors, speakers, and workshops further raise the profile of PE. Participation in extra-curricular and competitive sports fosters confidence, teamwork, and commitment. Our high-quality provision has received national recognition, achieving the Platinum Award in the School Games Mark.
At Bowmansgreen, the impact of our PE provision is clear in how pupils develop skills, knowledge, and techniques across various sports and activities. They gain positive attitudes towards physical education, understanding its importance for health and well-being. As they progress, children grow in confidence, showing resilience when learning new skills. We ensure that all pupils have full access to the curriculum and are supported to reach their potential.
Swimming and water safety play an essential role in our PE curriculum, as swimming is the only sport explicitly included in the National Curriculum. All primary schools must provide swimming and water safety lessons in Key Stage 1 or 2. Pupils must demonstrate the ability to perform safe self-rescue, swim 25 metres, and use a range of strokes, including front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke. Swimming lessons take place at Westminster Lodge, St Albans, with a structured programme across the year. Year 5 pupils swim in the autumn and spring terms, while Year 4 swims in the summer term. This ensures pupils develop strong swimming skills and water safety awareness.
Through our well-planned PE curriculum, we instil a lifelong appreciation for physical activity, ensuring that children leave primary school with the skills, confidence, and enthusiasm needed to continue their physical education journey, fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities of Key Stage 3 and beyond.
Overviews
Reception Skills and Vocabulary Progression
Year 1 Skills and Vocabulary Progression
Year 2 Skills and Vocabulary Progression
Year 3 Skills and Vocabulary Progression
Year 4 Skills and Vocabulary Progression