Physical Education (PE)
Curriculum Intent
At Northleaze, our Physical Education (PE) curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and motivation to lead healthy, active lives, both now and in the future. We aim for pupils to leave Northleaze with a positive relationship with physical activity, understanding its importance for physical health, mental wellbeing and personal development.
Our PE curriculum is inclusive, ambitious and progressive. It supports the aims of the National Curriculum for Physical Education, ensuring that pupils:
- Develop competence and confidence in a broad range of physical activities
- Are physically active for sustained periods of time
- Engage in competitive and non-competitive activities, both individually and as part of a team
- Understand the importance of healthy lifestyles and regular physical activity
Through PE at Northleaze, pupils learn more than physical skills. They develop resilience, teamwork, leadership, self-belief and respect for others. PE provides opportunities for pupils to experience success, manage challenge and understand the importance of fair play, cooperation and perseverance. In this way, PE contributes to the development of the whole child – physically, socially, emotionally and mentally.
Implementation
PE is taught for a minimum of two hours per week across the school. On PE days, pupils attend school wearing their PE kit to ensure lesson time is maximised. Lessons take place in both indoor and outdoor spaces, with careful timetabling ensuring that all pupils have equal access to facilities and a broad range of activities throughout the year, regardless of season or weather.
Teachers are supported by high-quality, National Curriculum–aligned planning through the PE Planning scheme of learning. This provides a clear progression of skills and knowledge across year groups, ensuring that learning builds systematically over time. Teachers retain the flexibility to adapt lessons to meet the needs of their pupils while maintaining the integrity and progression of the curriculum.
Key features of PE implementation at Northleaze include:
- A broad and balanced curriculum, including games, dance, gymnastics, athletics and outdoor/adventurous activities
- Clear progression in fundamental movement skills, sport-specific skills and tactical understanding
- Inclusive teaching approaches that support all learners, including those with SEND
- Opportunities for pupils to reflect on performance and identify areas for improvement
Using a proportion of our PE and Sport Premium funding, specialist coaches from Bristol Sport work alongside teachers to deliver high-quality PE sessions. These sessions enhance pupils’ experiences while also providing professional development and mentoring for staff, ensuring sustained improvement in teaching and learning.
Assessment is ongoing and formative. Teachers and coaches assess pupils’ skills and understanding at the end of each unit to:
- Inform future planning
- Identify pupils who may need additional support or encouragement
- Recognise pupils with particular strengths or sporting talent
Impact
The impact of the PE curriculum at Northleaze is that pupils:
- Enjoy PE and physical activity and are motivated to participate
- Develop age-appropriate physical skills and knowledge
- Demonstrate positive attitudes such as resilience, teamwork and sportsmanship
- Understand how to live healthy, active lives
Through our partnership with the North Somerset PE Association, pupils have regular opportunities to apply their learning by participating in a wide range of competitive and non-competitive sporting events in the local area. These experiences help pupils build confidence, represent their school with pride and develop a sense of belonging.
Each year, pupils are invited to attend a celebration of sport event at Ashton Gate Stadium, delivered in partnership with Bristol Sport, which further raises the profile of physical activity and aspiration.
The quality and impact of PE are monitored through:
- Lesson observations and learning walks
- Pupil voice and feedback
- Staff discussions and professional reflection
- Participation data and engagement in extra-curricular activities
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Northleaze offers a wide and inclusive programme of after-school and lunchtime sports clubs, designed to increase participation, fitness and enjoyment of physical activity. Some clubs are offered at no cost to families, and we actively monitor participation to ensure all pupils have access.
Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding are offered one free club per term each year, and families are supported where financial barriers may limit participation.
Examples of clubs offered across the year include:
- Tag rugby
- Cricket
- Dodgeball
- Hockey
- Basketball
- Dance
This year we will be working closely with Bristol Sport's Forever Sport Primary School PE and Sports Coaching Programme, funded from our PE and Sport Premium budget. On Monday and Friday afternoons coaches from Bristol Sport will be coming into school to work with pupils and staff, modelling lessons and providing ongoing professional development for all teaching staff.
Please see below for information on Bristol Sport
