Physical Education (PE)
'Sport is profoundly important – it is good for our physical health and good for our souls.'
At St Benedict's we believe that physical education, experienced in a safe and supportive environment, is a unique and vital contributor to a pupil’s physical development and wellbeing. A broad and balanced physical education curriculum is intended to provide for pupils’ increasing self-confidence in their ability to manage themselves and their bodies within a variety of movement situations.
A balance of individual, paired and group activities; co-operative, collaborative and competitive situations aims to cater for the preferences, strengths and needs of every pupil. Such activities, experienced within a range of areas of activity, aim to promote a broad base of movement knowledge, skills and understanding. They are also desirous of developing a pupil’s ability to work independently and to respond appropriately and sympathetically to others, irrespective of their age, gender, cultural or ethnic background
The intent is to provide a broad and balanced physical education promoting pupils’ increasing self-confidence in their ability to manage themselves and their bodies within a variety of movement situations.
Progressive learning objectives, combined with sympathetic and varied teaching approaches, endeavour to provide stimulating, enjoyable, satisfying and appropriately challenging learning experiences for all pupils.
St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School is supported in its provision of Physical Education by our local B&NES school sports partnership. The partnership provides support and access for school competitions
• develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
• are physically active for sustained periods of time
• engage in competitive sports and activities
• lead healthy, active lives
Provision of physical education
The school provides all KS2 pupils with two hours high quality Physical Education, per week within all classes. This is delivered through two lessons of 1-hour duration, one of which is delivered by a qualified PE coach. KS1 pupils receive two 45-minute lessons each week, one of which is delivered by a qualified PE coach.
The Inspired Schools PE scheme provides units of work that are age appropriate and ensure progression of skills across the school. Each class is timetabled so that they can access the hall for the duration of the unit that they are studying. Furthermore, all KS2 children receive a block of 6 – 10 swimming lessons each year as part of the PE National Curriculum to meet the required distance and skills by the end of the Key Stage. This is also continued by all pupils to extend and develop the skills of those who meet the standards early. We use a section of our Sports Premium funning to provide additional swimming to those who need additional support.
The outdoor play area is available to support all Physical Education learning & activity both during PE lessons and during active playtimes.