PE Curriculum Journey

Intent

At Oakwood Junior School, we aim to develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities necessary for mental, social, emotional and physical wellbeing in our children now and for their future. We aim to do this through a broad and balanced curriculum focussing on the development of the whole person. We aim to deliver high quality teaching and learning opportunities that inspire all children to succeed in physical activities. In line with the delivery of ‘British Values’ we want to teach children how to cooperate and collaborate with others, as part of a team, understanding fairness and equity of play to embed life-long values.

Implementation

PE at Oakwood Junior School provides challenging and enjoyable learning through a range of sporting activities including; invasion games, net and wall games, striking and fielding games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, swimming and outdoor & adventure. Pupils participate in weekly, high quality PE and sporting activities all underpinned by the notion of ‘physical literacy’. Physical activity is further supplemented in all year groups by the use of the adventure trails and the ‘Oakwood mile’ to help meet the government target of all children being active for at least 60 minutes a day.

All pupils from Year 3 to 6 have at least 2 hours’ worth of planned physical exercise each week. Children in year 5 participate in swimming lessons over the year to enable them to swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 meters. In addition, children in all year groups are encouraged to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities.  Lunchtime sports clubs are available each day and children can attend after school sport clubs each week.  Pupils continue to apply and develop a broader range of skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching. These skills are incorporated into competitive games, performances using movement patterns and evaluations of their own and others’ work. Pupils communicate and collaborate with each other and develop an understanding of how to improve in physical activities. There are many opportunities across the year for children to take part in inter and intra school competitions, as well as festivals, where children’s successes in sports are celebrated.

Impact

All children at Oakwood Junior School receive a broad and balanced PE curriculum regardless of year group or ability. Every child accesses all of the key areas of the subject on offer at our school. Teachers plan PE with clear progression of skills and knowledge that we have devised as part of our curriculum offer to ensure that all children access it at an age appropriate level. Festivals and competitions ensure all of our children have the opportunity to take part in arrange of sports both in and outside of school whether that be at a competitive or non-competitive level. The school was nominated for the 'Education Champion' award at the Derby County Community Trust 2022 awards evening to recognise outstanding achievements in PE and school sport. Oakwood also was awarded the School Games Gold Award for the 2022/2023 academic year to celebrate success in putting physical activity and school sport at the heart of the school and providing pupils with the opportunity to enjoy and learn through competition to achieve their personal best.