Physical Education at St Clare’s Catholic Primary School

At St Clare’s, our mission is to be a Christ-centred family where every child is valued, respected and encouraged to flourish. Our PE curriculum plays an important role in helping pupils grow in confidence, develop resilience and strengthen their relationships with God and with one another. Through physical activity, teamwork and shared experiences, we support children to play, learn and grow together with Christ, achieving their full potential in mind, body and spirit.
 

Our PE Curriculum

Intent

Our PE curriculum is designed to develop physical competence, confidence and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity for all pupils from Pre-School through to Key Stage 2. In the early years, children develop gross and fine motor skills, building core strength, balance, coordination and control through active play and structured PE, enabling them to achieve the EYFS Physical Development Early Learning Goals. In Key Stage 1, pupils explore and secure fundamental movement skills through a broad range of games, gymnastics and dance, promoting agility, balance and coordination. In Key Stage 2, pupils apply and refine these skills through games, gymnastics, dance, athletics and outdoor and adventurous activities, developing sport-specific skills, teamwork, resilience and leadership. Our intent is to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can access high-quality PE and develop the knowledge, skills and motivation needed to lead healthy, active lives.

 

Implementation

PE is taught through a progressive, well-sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge and skills over time. In EYFS, physical development is embedded daily through active play, outdoor learning and adult-led PE. In KS1, lessons focus on mastering fundamental movement skills through structured games, dance and gymnastics. In KS2, pupils apply these skills in increasingly complex contexts, learning rules, tactics and techniques across a range of physical activities, including OAA and athletics. Teaching ensures clear modelling, appropriate challenge and adaptive support, enabling all pupils to participate and succeed. Lessons promote physical activity, positive attitudes, cooperation and respect, with opportunities for competitive and non-competitive experiences. Enrichment opportunities, clubs and events further support engagement and inclusion.

 

Impact

As a result of our PE curriculum, pupils leave St Clare’s as happy, confident and competent participants in physical education, with the knowledge, skills and motivation to lead healthy, active lives. From EYFS, children develop the physical readiness needed for learning, including fine motor control for writing and strong classroom routines. As pupils move through the school, they become increasingly physically confident and develop a secure understanding of what their bodies can do. By the end of Key Stage 1, pupils demonstrate competence in fundamental movement skills, and by the end of Key Stage 2, they apply these skills confidently and creatively in sport-specific contexts, thinking tactically and working effectively as part of a team. Pupils show improved fitness, resilience, teamwork and leadership, and develop the confidence to work independently, in pairs and in groups. Through varied opportunities to lead, support and encourage others, many pupils develop empathy, respect and a strong sense of responsibility, enabling them to serve others and live out our school values as disciples of Christ. Pupils understand the importance of physical activity for both physical and mental wellbeing and are motivated to continue participating in sport and physical activity beyond school.

 

SEND and Inclusion

Our PE curriculum is inclusive by design and ensures all pupils can access and succeed in physical education. Lessons are adapted through appropriate equipment, task variation, clear modelling and targeted adult support, enabling pupils with SEND to participate fully and confidently. A strong emphasis on personal progress, cooperation and enjoyment ensures that all pupils experience success, develop confidence and feel valued, while maintaining high expectations for engagement and achievement.

 

PE and EYFS

Physical development in Pre-School and Reception supports children to develop gross and fine motor skills, building core strength, stability, balance, coordination and control through daily physical activity, PE and active play. Children progress from exploring movement through running, jumping, climbing, balancing and using equipment, to developing confidence, competence, precision and accuracy in more controlled movements. Fine motor skills are strengthened through mark-making and tool use, preparing children to hold a pencil effectively and use a range of tools with care and accuracy. This progression ensures children are well prepared to achieve the EYFS Physical Development Early Learning Goals and supports readiness for writing, learning and lifelong physical activity.

 

After-School Sport and Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Our commitment to physical activity extends beyond the school day. Throughout the year, we offer a range of after-school clubs led by staff and trained coaches. These clubs support pupils in exploring new sports, developing their skills and enjoying time being active with friends. Opportunities run across the year and are open to pupils of all abilities.

PESSPA Participation, Competitions and Leagues

St Clare’s is an active member of the local PESSPA network. We regularly enter leagues, festivals and competitions, providing pupils with meaningful opportunities to represent the school, develop teamwork and experience healthy competition. We aim to ensure that children of all abilities feel confident taking part and experiencing success in different forms. Our continued commitment to participation and physical activity has contributed to St Clare’s achieving the School Games Platinum Award for the 2024/25 academic year.

School Games Ethos

Our School Games ethos is rooted in our belief that every child is created in the image of God and deserves the chance to shine. We promote enjoyment, respect and fair play, encouraging pupils to support one another, celebrate effort and persevere during challenges. Whether taking part in friendly fixtures or competitive events, children learn to work as a team, respond with grace in both victory and defeat, and build character through sport. Through the School Games programme, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of physical activity and help every child grow in confidence, character and faith.

 

Sports Council Autumn Meeting – October 2025 Summary

PE and Sport Premium Funding

Since 2013, the Government’s PE and Sport Premium funding has helped primary schools develop and strengthen their PE and school sport provision. At St Clare’s, we use this funding to broaden opportunities, build staff confidence through professional development and enhance the experiences available to pupils. Our approach focuses on:

  • ensuring all children benefit, regardless of starting point or sporting ability

  • providing pathways for pupils to take part in competitions and festivals

  • supporting staff through training and development

  • planning improvements that will continue to make a difference in future years

Further details about the grant can be found on the Department for Education website.

An outline of how the funding is allocated and used can be found in our PE and Sport Premium Funding 2020/21 document, which is updated throughout the school year.

Percentage of Year 6 pupils who could swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres when they left our primary school at the end of last academic year (July 2025)?

86%

Percentage of your Year 6 pupils who could use a range of strokes effectively [for example, front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke] when they left our primary school at the end of last academic year (July 2025)?

86%

What percentage of your Year 6 pupils could perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations when they left your primary school at the end of last academic year (July 2025)?

86%

 

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Useful Links

Below are some links that you may find useful – from the PE national curriculum to how to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

 

Club Links

St. Clare’s children also benefit from our close links with a variety of clubs. Here are the links if you are interested in exploring additional coaching outside school.

Local Football Clubs

Useful Websites

Other Sports