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Physical Education

Intent

Our Physical Education curriculum aims to inspire all children to lead active, healthy lives and to develop a lifelong love of physical activity. At North Lakes School, we provide every pupil with a broad and balanced experience across Games, Gymnastics, Dance, Athletics, Outdoor Education and Swimming.

We are committed to ensuring that all children participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, with 30 minutes delivered in school, in line with national expectations. Through high‑quality teaching, specialist coaching, and a rich variety of sporting opportunities, we aim to:

  • Build confidence, competence and resilience in physical activity
  • Promote teamwork, fairness, respect and ambition
  • Encourage children to challenge themselves and celebrate personal progress
  • Provide inclusive opportunities so that every child, regardless of ability, can succeed

Our curriculum is underpinned by the school’s PE core values:

  • Be ambitious.
  • Be inspiring
  • Be connected.
  • Be fair.
Implementation

Physical Education is delivered through a combination of specialist coaching, high‑quality teaching, and enrichment opportunities. Most Games and Gymnastics lessons are taught by our trained school sports coaches, supported by staff who hold coaching awards and sporting qualifications. We also work with external specialists throughout the year to enhance provision.

Progressive Lesson Delivery

To ensure consistency, progression and high-quality learning across all year groups, the school uses the GETSET4PE programme. This provides:

  • A clear, progressive sequence of lessons
  • High-quality planning and resources
  • Skill development mapped across KS2
  • Consistent assessment opportunities
  • Inclusive activities accessible to all learners

This structured approach ensures every child builds on prior learning and develops increasing confidence and competence in physical activity.

Curriculum Coverage

All KS2 children experience the following areas:

Games

Children develop tactical awareness, teamwork and sport‑specific skills through a wide range of activities, including: Football, Netball, Basketball, Tag Rugby, Kwik Cricket, Dodgeball, Tennis and Hockey.

Gymnastics

Using both small and large apparatus, children explore:

  • Individual, partner and group sequences
  • Balances, rolls, jumps and vaulting
  • The Key Steps programme to support progression and assessment

Dance

Pupils participate in Contemporary and Creative Dance, exploring expression, rhythm and performance. They also benefit from workshops delivered by visiting dance specialists.

Athletics

All children take part in an annual whole school Sports Day featuring a warrior assault course and competitive house events. A separate Finals Day allows pupils to compete in track and field heats. Year 5 and 6 pupils also have opportunities to participate in indoor athletics events.

Swimming

Year 3 and Year 4 pupils complete an intensive swimming programme over one week, developing water confidence, stroke technique and water safety.

Outdoor Education

We make full use of our school grounds and local environment to promote active, healthy lifestyles. Children experience:

  • Forest school activities
  • Outdoor adventure days
  • Residential visits
  • Team‑building and problem‑solving challenges
Facilities and Partnerships
  • Large playing field and trim trail
  • Access to local secondary school sports facilities
  • A Sport England–funded multi‑sports pitch (established 2015)
  • Membership of the Eden Valley Sports Partnership, providing competitions, festivals and specialist support
Extra‑Curricular Sport

A wide range of after‑school clubs enriches the curriculum. Previous clubs include: Netball, Orienteering, Running, Mini Tennis, Football, Hockey, Badminton, Tag Rugby, Kwik Cricket, Cross Country, Gymnastics, Dodgeball and Fit for Life.

Health & Safety

Please refer to the school uniform policy for PE kit expectations.

Impact

Our PE curriculum ensures that children leave North Lakes School as confident, motivated and physically literate young people. The impact is seen through:

  • Improved physical competence across a broad range of sports and activities
  • Positive attitudes towards health, fitness and personal wellbeing
  • Strong teamwork, communication and leadership skills
  • High levels of participation in lessons, clubs and competitive events
  • Increased resilience and ambition, reflecting our school values
  • Readiness for KS3 PE, with secure foundations in core skills and sportsmanship

Children develop not only physical skills but also the character, confidence and enjoyment needed to continue engaging in sport and physical activity throughout their lives.

Subject Lead: Mrs L Greenwood March 2026.