Intent, Implementation, Impact
At Westcroft, we aim to develop a child’s physical literacy so they can perform to their potential in a range of physical activities.
PE Curriculum Intent
At Westcroft, we aim to develop a child’s physical literacy so they can perform to their potential in a range of physical activities. A varied curriculum is in place to support this, starting with basic movements in EYFS and Phase 1, breadth of movement in Phase 2, embed movement and skills in Phase 3 and finally show a more confident application of movement and skill during Post 14.
Through the teaching of PE, we intend to:
- Enable children to develop and explore physical skills with increasing control and coordination
- Encourage children to work and play individually, in pairs and in small group situations
- Show children how to improve the quality and control of their performance
- Teach children to recognise and understand the effects exercise has on their bodies
- Develop the enjoyment of being active and know how to evaluate their own success
PE Curriculum Implementation
Teaching and learning at Westcroft is done through pathways so the PE curriculum is also planned and delivered in relation to the abilities of classes in each phase and pathway.
Physical education and school sport has a high profile at Westcroft where pupils access a wide range of sports and activities both in and out of school hours. Our learner pool and four court sized sports hall allows us to deliver high quality PE supported by excellent facilities and resources.
In Phases 1 and 2, pupils receive a 60 minute PE lesson and a 60 minute swimming and water safety lesson. They also access Cool Kids programmes as part of the curriculum which allows us to target pupils with gross and fine motor skills issues. Outdoor Education will be taught weekly across the phase. Pupils will develop fundamental skills and access a broad range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance and coordination. They will work individually and with others to help deal with personal challenge and competition. Activities will range from sensory exploration, movement incorporating gymnastics and dance, fundamental skill development in games and athletics as well as fitness/health and wellbeing.
In Phase 3, pupils receive a 60 minute PE lesson and a 60 minute swimming session which covers Swimfit and other aquatic activities every week. Outdoor Education will be taught weekly across the phase. Pupils will build on the skills and physical development already acquired and begin to focus on understanding how and why we can do things. They will recognise the effects on the body when doing exercise and build up resilience to perform in pressurised and competitive situations. Furthermore, pupils will learn to assess their own ability and evaluate to improve performance, including personal best. Activities will range from fitness, gymnastics, athletics, OAA and games.
At Post 14, pupils participate in a minimum of 2 to 2.5 hours of PE and swimming activities. Pupils will build on previous physical development and promote an active, healthy lifestyle to improve personal fitness. Content of activity will be similar to key stage 3 but with more expectation on application of skills (for the higher pathway classes). The curriculum at this stage reinforces the competence and confidence of performance, promoting independence and self-management to improve personal fitness and personal development. In addition, all classes will access Duke of Edinburgh and some classes will study sports accredited courses on Fridays.
Example below of a 3 year rolling programme for a pathway:
Personal Development through PE
Phase 2 pupils are given the opportunity to attend an Outdoor Activity Centre to participate in teambuilding and adventurous activities to build confidence and resilience.
On Friday afternoons, Phase 3 take part in a skill development rotation each half term, engaging in a variety of activities e.g. sport, Drumba, Outdoor Education and swimming. This supports our school vision of providing a broader experience of personal development.
Post 14 pupils who study sports courses will develop leadership skills to improve communication, confidence and organisational skills.
Residential visits take place throughout the year for different phases. This allows personal and social development though Outdoor and Adventurous Activities in new learning environments. Pupils have also developed their own personalities and characteristics through the residential experience of being away from home.
Intra-house and Inter-school competitions are readily contested throughout the year in a range of sports and physical activities. This opportunity is for all pupils. We have an SGO who drives inclusion locally and nationally and supports our school involvement.
In addition to curriculum activities, there is a programme of SPACE time activities (lunchtime clubs) available for all pupils. For these sessions, we maximise the use of our indoor and outdoor space which includes the lower playground equipment and adventure course and our outdoor gym equipment.
After school club provision operates every day offering activities like swimming, indoor and outdoor games, boot camp fitness, Drumba, dance and trampolining.
PE Curriculum Impact
The teaching and learning styles in PE is so varied and has a personalised approach to suit pupils’ needs and abilities. We ensure pupils are motivated to participate in a variety of physical activities through quality teaching that is engaging, fun and challenges all needs. This can be seen by our % of attendance in lessons as we very rarely have non performers in school. Lessons are delivered using appropriate language to learn and supported with visual demonstrations throughout to help with the cognition of the learners. Peer on peer assessment and teacher assessment/feedback allows an immediate response for pupils to assist with progress and attainment. Content of lesson is pupil centred which is again evident from the high numbers of participants within each class. Differentiated tasks and challenge is essential to which the pupils recognise how to develop their own learning and progress. This is evident when pupils are questioned about their learning. Pupils will receive positive feedback to help them emerge, develop and secure aspects of their learning so they leave school feeling happy, with a sense of achievement.
Pupils look forward to lessons and show willingness to develop skills and performances. This can be seen by our Intra school competition and the great range of inter school and afterschool clubs. Pupils are equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate in activity to improve physical literacy, personal development and progress, which is assessed regularly using our school SOLAR assessment tool and shows how they progress not just in skills but personal qualities.
The use of teaching assistants and support staff in the learning environment is invaluable to the delivery of PE and physical activity. We are fortunate to have support (1-1 in some cases) which allows effective teaching and learning, enabling pupils to make progress and work towards or achieve their potential. In-house training is scheduled throughout the year to upskill TA’s with the delivery of sport and physical activity as well as offering specific staff CPD opportunities in swimming and sport. (Sports Premium)
The value of independence is achieved from an early age when getting ready for PE and swimming and pupils take responsibility for their learning through their positive attitude and behaviour. Pupils start in Phase 1 by learning how to dress appropriately, as well as staff supporting younger pupils in reminding them of appropriate clothing.
Pupils partake in SPACE clubs daily which increases activity levels and helps model positive behaviours towards learning in the classroom. The purpose of running SPACE clubs targets pupils to be active outside the classroom and maintains structure for pupils to embed positive behaviour. If pupils are more engaged and behaving well it results in better attainment back in the classroom.
The school has regularly attended sports competitions across the Borough for SEND activities, fulfilling a timetable of events for all phases. Pupils engage well in the annual House sports day, encouraging “the taking part” as well as being competitive. We host our SGO who liaises well with the PE coordinator to organise our involvement in local and national competitions. (School dashboard for School Games). Our Bronze to Gold Sports Mark Awards is an accreditation to symbolise how well school sport and physical activity is viewed at Westcroft.
For further information, please click on the link to show the sports premium impact on teaching and learning in PE.