Physical Education
Intent
At Wold Newton Foundation School, we recognise the vital role that Physical Education plays in supporting pupils’ physical health, emotional wellbeing and personal development. Our aim is to provide an ambitious, inclusive and high‑quality PE curriculum that enables all children to flourish in a wide range of physical activities. We want pupils to develop competence, confidence and enjoyment in sport, while also understanding the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle.
Our curriculum is designed to help pupils:
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Practise and refine skills across a variety of activities, both individually and as part of a team, and apply these skills to achieve strong performance.
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Be physically active for sustained periods of time and understand how regular exercise contributes to long‑term health.
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Develop leadership skills by organising activities, officiating fairly and evaluating performance to support and motivate others.
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Think creatively and imaginatively when developing tactics, techniques and choreography.
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Meet the National Curriculum expectation of swimming at least 25 metres by the end of Year 6 and understanding how to stay safe in and around water.
We aim to nurture pupils who show resilience, teamwork, respect and sportsmanship—qualities that support character development and contribute to success beyond PE.
Implementation
PE is taught as a discrete subject twice weekly across all key stages, ensuring pupils have regular opportunities to develop physical competence and fitness. Where meaningful links can be made, PE is also connected to other curriculum areas to deepen understanding and engagement.
Staff and specialist Sports Coaches use a range of high‑quality schemes, including elements of the National Curriculum programme of study, to ensure progression and depth. Lessons are designed so that pupils:
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Have fun and experience success in sport.
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Participate at a level appropriate to their development, with opportunities to challenge themselves.
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Build and secure a broad range of physical skills.
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Develop positive sporting attitudes, including fairness, respect and teamwork.
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Understand and apply basic rules across different sports.
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Experience positive competition, both within school and against other schools.
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Learn in a safe, supportive environment.
We place a strong emphasis on character development, self‑esteem and social skills, recognising that high‑quality PE contributes significantly to pupils’ wider personal development. Pupils also benefit from working with external sports specialists who model high expectations, strong work ethic and professional sporting behaviours.
Our curriculum extends beyond the school day through a wide range of extra‑curricular clubs, competitive opportunities and enrichment activities, ensuring all pupils can access an ambitious and inclusive PE offer.
Impact
Our PE curriculum aims to improve the physical health, wellbeing and fitness of all pupils, not only through the skills they learn but through the values and disciplines that underpin physical activity. Children learn self‑discipline, responsibility and the importance of taking ownership of their own health and fitness. We encourage pupils to apply these skills independently so they can lead happy, healthy and active lives.
The impact of our curriculum is evident in pupils’ enthusiasm, participation and performance. Wold Newton is proud to have achieved the Platinum Sports Mark, recognising our commitment to high‑quality PE, competitive sport and inclusive practice. We regularly take part in local sporting fixtures—often with great success—and enjoy strong uptake in extra‑curricular sports clubs.
We monitor impact through observation, pupil voice, assessment against National Curriculum expectations and the quality of pupils’ engagement in lessons and competitions. This helps us ensure that all pupils know more, remember more and can do more in PE, and that they leave Wold Newton with the confidence and skills to continue enjoying sport and physical activity.
