Milnthorpe Primary School

Intent

At Milnthorpe Primary School, Physical Education is an integral part of our curriculum and we strive to create a culture which aims to inspire an active generation to enjoy PE, encourage each other and achieve. We provide a safe and supportive environment for children to flourish in a range of different physical activities which is essential in supporting their physical, emotional, spiritual, social and moral development. We aspire for children to adopt a positive Growth Mindset and believe that anything can be achieved with determination and resilience. At Milnthorpe we offer a dynamic and varied program of activity to ensure that all children progress physically through a unique and fully inclusive PE curriculum. Our curriculum aims to improve the well-being and fitness of all children, not only through the sporting skills taught, but through the underpinning values and disciplines PE promotes. We aim to deliver high quality teaching and learning opportunities that enable all children to achieve their personal best. All children participate in competitive sport which can be against self and/ or others. We encourage children to transfer the school values and promises to sporting and physical activity, ensuring that they aim to be the very best that they can be. We aim for all children to be physically active for sustained periods of time and to be able to make informed decisions to lead healthy and active lives. Thus, embedding life-long values. Swimming is an important life skill and we aspire for all children to leave primary school having met at least the minimum requirements of the National Curriculum.

Implementation

• PE at Milnthorpe Primary School provides challenging and enjoyable learning through a range of sporting activities including; invasion games, net & wall games, strike and field games, gymnastics, dance, swimming and outdoor & adventure.
• The long-term plan sets out the PE units which are to be taught throughout the year and ensures that the requirements of the National Curriculum are fully met.
• Pupils participate in two high quality PE lessons each week, covering two sporting disciplines every half term. 
• Children are encouraged to participate in the varied range of extra-curricular activities. We provide inclusive and enjoyable clubs which increases children’s physical activity. Clubs are offered to both KS1 and KS2 children, occasionally Foundation Stage too.
• Children are invited to attend competitive sporting events within the local area. This is an inclusive approach which endeavours to encourage not only physical development but also mental well-being. These events also develop teamwork and leadership skills and are very much enjoyed by the children.
• Each year a small group of Year 5&6 children are invited to become Sports Leaders for the school. They develop into sporting role models for the younger children, assisting with lunch-time clubs, our annual Sports day and any other Sporting activities.
• Children participate in workshops covering a variety of sports throughout the year. For example, rugby, outdoor and adventure, acro, again providing the children with an opportunity to develop, improve their fitness and to try something new.
• Children in Year 3,4,5 swim once a week for 10 weeks throughout the year.  We repeat the 10-week course later in school for any children that are still unable to swim.

Impact

At Milnthorpe Primary School, we ensure that our PE curriculum is progressive and allows children to develop fundamental skills and apply them to a variety of sports and activities. All children acquire with the necessary skills and given opportunities to demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best. Our pupils are physically active, and this has a positive impact on their learning in the classroom. Children understand how to lead a healthy lifestyle and understand the importance of regular exercise. We aspire for children to enjoy PE and develop a love of sport and physical activity which becomes part of their future life outside of primary school. Children can represent the school at sporting events from local to county level. Alongside this, we share sporting achievements both in and out of school in Celebration Assembly, so that we are promoting sports and activities, as well as celebrating all levels of success. We aim for all Year 6 pupils to leave school with the skills to competently swim at least 25m and have the skills to self-rescue in the water which are key life skills.