At St John the Baptist Primary School, we are committed to fostering excellence and delivering a dynamic Physical Education curriculum that motivates every child to embrace sport and physical activity as lifelong pursuits. Our lessons are thoughtfully structured and inclusive, ensuring that all pupils, regardless of ability, can participate, progress, and succeed.

Through PE, we aspire to teach the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and healthy competition, grounded in the values of fairness, sportsmanship, and respect, which reflect our school’s Christian ethos.

The curriculum focuses on mastering a range of fundamental skills, including coordination, strength, and flexibility, while offering pupils a variety of sustained physical activities. This helps children understand the significance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle and making informed choices for their well‑being. Our approach supports both mental and physical health, ensuring pupils meet developmental milestones through meaningful participation in physical activity.

At St John’s, our Physical Education programme provides engaging and challenging learning experiences across a wide range of sporting disciplines, including:

• Invasion games

• Net, strike, and field games

• Gymnastics

• Dance

• Outdoor and adventure activities

• Swimming (in upper KS2)

All children take part in two PE lessons each week, with two different disciplines covered each half term.  Pupils are also encouraged to participate in extra‑curricular activities and competition events to further develop their skills and interests.

Lessons are carefully sequenced and progressive, tailored to meet the age and ability of all pupils. We deliver high‑quality teaching that promotes healthy lifestyles while enhancing vocabulary and understanding of physical education concepts.

PE is taught by class teachers, supported by ongoing professional development (CPD) to ensure staff are equipped to deliver lessons effectively. Our curriculum is inclusive, ensuring that every child has access to appropriate learning opportunities, regardless of sporting ability.

Participation and competition are encouraged, with every child experiencing competition either individually or as part of a team.

• Swimming: Year 5 pupils attend swimming lessons to meet the National Curriculum’s swimming and water safety requirements. Year 6 pupils have access to top‑up sessions to ensure all children can swim at least 25 metres.

• Sporting events: Children in KS1 and KS2 take part in inter‑school sporting events, including competitive sports and team‑building activities.

• Sports Day: Annual KS1 and KS2 Sports Days focus on participation, achievement, and enjoyment for all pupils.

• Leadership opportunities: Each year, four Year 6 pupils are invited to be house captains, supported by four deputy captains from Year 2. They help organise lunchtime games and support sporting activities across the school.

• Workshops: Pupils also experience specialist workshops, such as mindful movement sessions during Mental Health and Well‑Being Week.

At St John’s, we want all children to:

• Develop fundamental knowledge, skills, and techniques, applying them across a wide variety of sports and activities

• Build positive attitudes towards PE, recognising its impact on health and well‑being

• Gain confidence and courage to try new disciplines within different strands of PE

• Show creativity and resilience when tackling new skills

• Access a fun, engaging curriculum that encourages them to be active for life

By the time they leave St John’s, pupils will have developed the confidence, resilience, and enthusiasm to continue their physical learning journey, equipped with the skills and values to lead healthy, active lifestyles.

 

What our children say:

 

“When you practise it gets easier and easier.”

“It’s really fun, I like doing exercises. It makes me feel better and happier.”

“It is good for you.”

“It is fun to play new games with our friends, like the Bean Game.”

“Gymnastics is fun, excellent and fantastic.”

“I like learning to balance and climb.”

“It gives you a chance to focus on physical learning and forget the bad things.”

“I like PE because it’s fun, it gets you moving and makes you more physical and healthy.”

“It makes me fitter, faster and improves my stamina. I can keep going longer.”

“I like doing exercise in PE as it makes me feel calm.”

 

School Games Mark – Gold Award 2024-2025

We are delighted to announce that we have once again been awarded the Gold Mark Award for 2024-25 by the Youth Sports Trust.  

The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme that rewards and recognises a school’s engagement in the School Games against a national benchmark as well as to celebrate keeping young people active.

This external, independent validation highlighted our commitment to inclusive PE and school sport. The reported noted our broad curriculum and enrichment offer for all students and our leadership opportunities with our local Primary Schools as a particular strength.

We are delighted to have been recognised for our success with this and are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of physical activity and school sport. We look forward to applying for this award again in 2026!

 

 

Useful websites to improve your child's knowledge and skills at home:

Cosmic Kids Yoga | The Home of Positive Screen Time

50 Exercises and Activities for At-Home P.E. 

Primary PE Activities - Youth Sport Trust

Primary Physical Education: Teaching resources

CBeebies - Boogie Beebies