Curriculum
At St Paulinus, Physical Education is more than sport – it is a vital part of our mission to help every child flourish. Our curriculum is coherent, cumulative and connected, allowing children to progressively develop knowledge, skills and understanding across a wide range of physical activities. From EYFS through to Year 6, pupils revisit and build upon core physical competencies such as balance, coordination, agility, strength and endurance, applying these in increasingly complex games, dances, gymnastic sequences and athletic disciplines.

The curriculum provides opportunities to explore both individual and team-based challenges, nurturing tactical awareness, decision-making and leadership skills. In addition to physical literacy, pupils develop resilience, character and confidence, learning to support and respect others through fair play, teamwork and communication. Through inter- and intra-school competitions, festivals and clubs, children apply their learning in real-world contexts, fostering a lifelong love of movement and physical activity.

Vocabulary
PE vocabulary is taught and revisited to help children think and speak like athletes, coaches and sports leaders. Pupils learn to use precise terms such as coordination, accuracy, balance, stamina, tactic, technique, performance, evaluation and sportsmanship. Over time, this subject-specific language allows children to articulate their strategies, analyse performance, give constructive feedback and reason about fitness and health.

Implementation
PE is taught through a carefully structured progression of skills using the PE Passport curriculum, with swimming lessons in KS2 meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum. Lessons are sequenced to ensure children revisit and consolidate key movements while building towards mastery in a variety of disciplines. Learning is highly active and practical, with opportunities for modelling, guided practice and independent application.

Teachers intentionally embed opportunities for reflection, peer observation and feedback, ensuring pupils grow in both physical ability and self-awareness. Oracy is woven throughout lessons, encouraging children to use the correct vocabulary to describe, evaluate and improve their performance.

The curriculum is enriched with opportunities beyond timetabled lessons, including after-school clubs, competitive tournaments, community sports links and whole-school events. This combination of structured progression and enrichment helps every child to develop physically, socially and emotionally, leaving St Paulinus confident, capable and motivated to lead healthy, active lives.

ST Paulinus PE Overview 2023-24