🏃‍♂️ Physical Education at Petteril Bank Primary School

🌟 Our Approach to PE

At Petteril Bank Primary School, we believe that high-quality Physical Education is essential for children’s physical development, mental wellbeing, and overall health. Our comprehensive PE curriculum aims to develop physical literacy, promote active lifestyles, and instil values such as teamwork, resilience, and fair play. We provide a broad range of physical activities that inspire all children to succeed and excel, regardless of their starting points or abilities.

📚 Our PE Curriculum

Our carefully structured PE curriculum:

• Develops fundamental movement skills in EYFS and KS1
• Builds competence across a broad range of activities in KS2
• Provides regular opportunities for competitive sport
• Promotes physical fitness and healthy lifestyles
• Builds character through values-based teaching
• Encourages children to evaluate and improve performance
• Creates positive attitudes toward physical activity

💪 Key Physical Skills

Throughout their time at Petteril Bank, children develop:

• Locomotion – Running, jumping, hopping, skipping, climbing
• Stability – Balance, landing, turning, twisting, stretching
• Manipulation – Throwing, catching, kicking, striking, aiming
• Coordination – Hand-eye coordination, foot-eye coordination
• Agility – Changing direction quickly and efficiently
• Speed – Moving the body or parts of the body quickly
• Strength – Overcoming resistance with muscular activity
• Endurance – Sustained physical activity over time

📝 What Children Learn in Each Year Group

Reception

• Exploring movement and space
• Developing fundamental movement skills
• Following simple rules in games
• Using simple apparatus safely
• Expressing ideas through movement
• Learning to work with others

Year 1 & 2

• Gymnastics – Basic shapes, balances, and sequences
• Dance – Moving rhythmically and expressively
• Games – Simple sending, receiving, and traveling skills
• Athletics – Running, jumping, and throwing techniques
• Outdoor Adventure Activities – Simple problem-solving tasks
• Swimming – Water confidence and basic strokes

Year 3 & 4

• Gymnastics – More complex sequences with apparatus
• Dance – Creating and performing structured dances
• Games – Developing tactics and strategy in team games
• Athletics – Improving technique and personal performance
• Outdoor Adventure Activities – Team challenges and orientation
• Swimming – Developing strokes and water safety skills

Year 5 & 6

• Gymnastics – Advanced sequencing and performance
• Dance – Choreographing and performing with expression
• Games – Modified versions of invasion, net, and striking games
• Athletics – Refined techniques and competitive performance
• Outdoor Adventure Activities – Problem-solving and teamwork challenges
• Swimming – Swimming competently over 25 meters (for those who need it)

🏊‍♂️ Swimming

We are committed to ensuring all children can swim confidently and know how to stay safe in water:

• Children attend swimming lessons at Carlisle Leisure Centre through years 3-6.
• Additional lessons are provided in Year 6 for those who haven’t met requirements
• Water safety is taught alongside swimming techniques

🏆 School Sports and Competition

We believe competitive sport builds character and resilience:

• Intra-school Competition – House competitions across various sports
• Inter-school Competition – Representing our school in local tournaments
• Sports Day – Annual celebration of athletics and teamwork
• CET School festivals – In years 2 and 4 all pupils from across our schools come together to share in multisport events.
• Inclusive Sports – Events that cater to all abilities

🏃‍♀️ Active School

We promote physical activity throughout the school day:

• Active Playtimes – Structured activities and games led by play leaders
• Sports Leaders – pupils actively leading others to improve fitness and games skills.
• Active Lessons – Incorporating movement into classroom learning
• After-school Clubs – Range of sporting opportunities (currently including rugby, dance, gymnastics, and multi-skills)
• Active Celebrations – Recognising sporting achievements and participation. Half termly sports champion.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How Parents Can Support PE at Home

1️⃣ Encourage Daily Physical Activity

• Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day
• Incorporate walking, cycling, or scooting into your routine
• Visit local parks and playgrounds regularly
• Limit screen time and encourage active alternatives
• Join in with physical activities as a family

2️⃣ Support PE Days

• Ensure your child has the correct PE kit on PE days
• Check that footwear is appropriate and fits correctly
• Discuss what they’ve learned in PE lessons
• Encourage practice of skills at home
• Ensure long hair is tied back and jewellery removed

3️⃣ Celebrate Effort and Participation

• Focus on enjoyment and improvement rather than winning
• Acknowledge perseverance and resilience
• Celebrate personal achievements, however small
• Encourage a growth mindset: “I can’t do it yet” not “I can’t do it”
• Model positive attitudes toward physical activity

4️⃣ Join Community Sports

• Explore local clubs and activities that match your child’s interests
• Consider taster sessions to find activities they enjoy
• Look for inclusive opportunities that welcome all abilities
• Share information about community sports with the school
• Volunteer at school sporting events if possible

Kit Requirements

• Indoor PE: White or branded t-shirt, black shorts or leggings, black trainers, red hoody.
• Outdoor PE: Red Hoody, white t shirt or school branded t shirt, black, leggings or track suit bottoms (non branded)
• Swimming: One-piece swimsuit/trunks, towel, swimming hat

Please ensure all items are clearly labelled with your child’s name.