Physical Education (PE) inc. Swimming 

Intent

At the Phoenix Federation, our PE curriculum motivates all children to take part in competitive sport and physically demanding activities structured on the progressive key skills outlined in each phase of the PE National Curriculum. Our intent is for all children to lead healthy and active lives, experience the pleasure to be found in learning new skills, challenging themselves and playing with others.

We inspire our pupils to develop into responsible adults who are proactive in making healthy lifestyle decisions. This is harnessed through our core values (to be aspirational, brave, compassionate, determined and enlightened), alongside embedding qualities from our PE curriculum which encourages our children to be fair, respectful and celebrate the achievements of others.

Implementation

The PE curriculum has been designed to build on and apply the skills and knowledge taught practically, on a half termly basis. This may involve creating a gymnastics routine or mastering the throwing technique to pass the ball with accuracy in a game of netball. Towards the end of each unit the pupils review their learning by completing assessment for learning tasks or mini quizzes.

Each year group has six PE units to study every half term. All pupils receive a minimum of two sessions per week from a qualified PE coach and/ or their Class Teacher. The units have been carefully sequenced to gradually build on concepts and provide opportunities to practise what they have been taught from their own starting point. For example, the EYFS children are taught how to ‘Manipulate and Coordinate’ their bodies in order to move with speed and in different directions. As they progress into KS1, the children learn how to ‘Send and Return’ a soft ball accordingly, empowering them to play confidently in a game of Rounders in KS2. Our children are taught explicitly a variety of skills and strategies during sequenced PE lessons and through cross-curricular avenues, such as Big Art or live performances which encompass whole body movement at the Phoenix annual carnival.

Swimming is a life skill, and this is demonstrated at our local leisure centre in Deptford (Wavelengths) for Years 3, 4 and 5. The children have swimming sessions to teach them how to swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres. They are taught a range of strokes such as front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke and they will learn how to carry out a safe self- rescue too. 

The PE curriculum is taught using the PE Hub online resource to inform teaching and learning. This provides coverage of the National Curriculum over three main strands:

1. Physically competent, physically active.
2. Tactics & strategies, decision maker, creative and competitive.
3. I can, I want to, I will.

We organise and host fun cross-federation competitions and family events for Sports’ Week and Sports’ Day at Goldsmith’s University and Deptford Green School. The children have met and competed with reputable athletes who they see as role models.

Impact

We inspire our children to succeed and excel in competitive sport. Enabling them to be active for sustained periods of time and competent in physical activities such as dance, gymnastics, football, volleyball, athletics and more.

Our children will be confident mentally and physically; having a healthy heart and a happy brain improves their outlook.  Developing an understanding and knowing how to apply the knowledge and skills taught, equips them to learn how to evaluate and recognise their own success. By the time children leave the federation, we wish them to be able to make sensible decisions about being active and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Encouraging our children to develop a positive attitude, especially when competing in sport, enables our children to leave us as ambitious, dignified and gracious sports people with a commitment to fairness and respect.

The Phoenix Federation encourages all children to develop the ability to persevere, aspire for greatness and feel confident in their abilities. They also enjoy and learn the importance of being a good sports person. We are training and championing the next generation of UK Olympians!