At East Acton Primary School, we recognise that Physical Education is essential to pupils’ physical health, emotional wellbeing and overall development. In line with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), our PE curriculum is designed to ensure that every child can develop, participate and thrive.

Our curriculum reflects:

• Article 6: Every child has the right to life and to develop to their full potential.
• Article 12: Every child has the right to express their views. (pupil voice, self and peer evaluation, reflecting on performance)
• Article 15: Freedom of association - Children have the right to meet with others and join groups. (Teamwork, clubs, competitions)
• Article 23: A child with a disability has the right to live a full and active life and participate in the community.
• Article 24: Every child has the right to the highest attainable standard of health.
• Article 29: Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. (physical competence, character and personal growth)
• Article 31: Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. (play, sport and enjoyment)

Our PE curriculum actively promotes these rights by ensuring inclusive access, physical development, and lifelong health awareness for all pupils.

Intent:

Through a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum, we aim to:

• develop fundamental movement skills including agility, balance and coordination
• ensure pupils become physically confident in a range of activities
• provide opportunities for competitive and cooperative sport
• build resilience, teamwork, respect and fairness

Our intent is to inspire all pupils to enjoy physical activity, recognise its importance in leading a healthy life, and leave primary school with the skills, knowledge and motivation to remain active.

We are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability or background, can participate fully, achieve success and experience a sense of belonging through PE.

Implementation:

Curriculum Structure

PE is delivered through a carefully sequenced curriculum that includes:

• invasion games
• net and wall games
• striking and fielding
• gymnastics
• dance
• athletics
• swimming and water safety

The long-term plan ensures full coverage of the Department for Education National Curriculum, with knowledge and skills building progressively from EYFS through to Key Stage 2. This supports pupils in developing their abilities over time (Article 6 & 29).

Pupils receive:

• Two high-quality PE lessons per week
• A focus on one unit per half term, allowing depth of learning and skill development

Teaching and Learning

We use a structured scheme (PE Planning) adapted to meet the needs of all learners. Teaching is characterised by:

• clear modelling and skill breakdown
• opportunities for practice, application and reflection
• a balance of collaborative and competitive activities
• ongoing formative assessment

Pupils are encouraged to:

• evaluate their own and others’ performances
• understand how to improve
• apply skills across different activities

Inclusion and equity

We are committed to inclusive practice:

• tasks are adapted to support all abilities and needs
• SEND pupils access learning through targeted support and differentiated activities
• more able pupils are challenged and signposted to external sporting opportunities

This reflects our commitment to Articles 6 and 23 by ensuring all children can participate and thrive.

Health and Active Lifestyles

Through PE lessons and wider opportunities, pupils develop an understanding of:

• the importance of regular exercise and physical activity
• how physical activity supports physical and mental health (Article 24)

Swimming and Water Safety

In line with statutory requirements:

• pupils receive swimming instruction in Key Stage 2
• Year 4 pupils attend lessons at Acton Leisure Centre with specialist instructors
• additional provision is offered in Year 6 for pupils who need to meet expected standards

Extra-curricular and Enrichment

We extend learning beyond lessons through:

• lunchtime and after-school sports clubs
• participation in School Games competitions (e.g. football, netball, golf, inclusive events)

These opportunities:

• increase physical activity levels
• develop teamwork and leadership
• promote enjoyment and engagement (Article 31)

Assessment

Assessment is ongoing and purposeful:

• teachers assess pupils against learning objectives during lessons
• end-of-unit judgements identify whether pupils are:
  • working towards
  • meeting
  • exceeding expectations

Pupils are also encouraged to reflect on their own learning, supporting independence and pupil voice (Article 12). Assessment informs planning, supports progression, and is shared with parents and staff.

Leadership and resources

The PE Subject Leader:

• monitors curriculum delivery and impact
• ensures effective use of Sports Premium funding
• supports staff development
• promotes high-quality provision across the school

Resources are:

• well-organised and accessible
• selected to support safe and effective learning

Impact:

At East Acton Primary School, the impact of our PE curriculum is that all pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to lead healthy, active lives, both now and in the future. By the time pupils leave East Acton Primary School, they will:

Physical Development

• demonstrate competence in a broad range of physical activities
• show improved agility, balance and coordination
• apply skills confidently in both individual and team contexts
• achieve expected standards in swimming and water safety (where applicable)

Through this, pupils are supported to develop physically and reach their full potential (Article 6).

Knowledge and Understanding

• understand the importance of regular physical activity for physical and mental health
• recognise how exercise contributes to a healthy lifestyle (Article 24)
• can evaluate and improve their own performance
• understand key concepts such as fairness, rules and tactics

Personal Development

• demonstrate resilience, determination and confidence
• show respect, fairness and sportsmanship in all activities
• work collaboratively and communicate effectively with others
• experience a sense of achievement and belonging through participation (Article 23 & 31)

Engagement and Attitudes

• develop a positive attitude towards physical activity and sport
• enjoy PE lessons and take pride in their participation
• actively engage in extra-curricular clubs and competitive opportunities
• value physical activity as an important part of everyday life

They understand that participation, play and enjoyment are an important part of their wellbeing (Article 31)

Progression and Independence

• build on prior learning and demonstrate clear progression in skills across each key stage
• reflect on their learning and identify how to improve, developing confidence and pupil voice (Article 12)
• leave primary school equipped with the skills, knowledge and motivation to remain active

As a result, pupils leave East Acton Primary School as:

• physically literate individuals
• confident participants in a range of physical activities
• knowledgeable about how to lead healthy, active lives
• ready to continue their engagement in sport and physical activity beyond primary school