Intent

At LAPW, we believe that Physical Education (PE) is an essential and integral part of every child's holistic development. Our intent is to cultivate a lifelong love of physical activity, fostering the development of fundamental movement skills, promoting understanding of health and well-being, and nurturing positive social and emotional growth.

Through engaging and inquiry-based learning experiences, we aim to empower children to develop a strong foundation of fundamental movement skills. We will enable them to confidently and competently participate in a variety of physical activities and sports. We will encourage them to think critically about how their bodies move and how to improve performance. The children will recognise the importance of physical activity for health and well-being by fostering an understanding of the benefits of an active lifestyle for physical, mental, and social health. We aim to develop positive attitudes towards physical activity and inspire enjoyment, motivation, and a commitment to lifelong participation. We will promote teamwork, communication, cooperation, respect, and resilience through physical activity by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to lead healthy and active lives. We will ensure a safe and supportive environment for all children to participate and learn.

Our PE program is designed to be inclusive, adapted, and responsive to the diverse needs and interests of all learners. We strive to create a positive and challenging environment where children are encouraged to take risks, celebrate their achievements, and develop a sense of personal responsibility for their own physical well-being. Through purposeful inquiry and reflection, we aim to empower our children to become active, healthy, and engaged global citizens.

Implementation

At LAPW, we believe that Physical Education (PE) is an essential component of a holistic and balanced education, aligning directly with the philosophy and principles of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP).

We are committed to fostering a lifelong love of physical activity, promoting the development of fundamental movement skills, enhancing well-being, and nurturing positive attitudes towards a healthy and active lifestyle in all our children.

Our PE curriculum is designed to allow children to explore the "why" behind movement, understand the principles of physical activity, and make connections to other areas of learning.

We provide ample opportunities for children to develop and refine a wide range of fundamental movement skills (locomotor, manipulative, and stability skills) through engaging and purposeful activities. This forms the foundation for more complex movements and participation in various physical activities and sports. We develop physically literate individuals who have the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. Through collaborative activities, teamwork, and sportsmanship, children will develop essential social skills such as communication, cooperation, respect, and empathy. They will also learn to manage emotions, build resilience, and develop a positive self-image. We educate children about the importance of physical activity for their physical and mental health. We will explore concepts related to nutrition, hydration, rest, and the benefits of an active lifestyle.

We are committed to providing inclusive and adapted learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs and abilities of all our children. We will adapt activities and provide appropriate challenges to ensure everyone can participate and experience success. We actively seek opportunities to integrate PE with other subject areas within the curriculum, fostering interdisciplinary learning and reinforcing key concepts. We will utilise a range of learning environments, including the academy hall, outdoor spaces, and local community resources, to provide diverse and engaging physical activity experiences. We will employ a variety of assessment strategies, aligned with the PYP assessment principles, to monitor children's progress in developing skills, understanding concepts, and demonstrating positive attitudes towards physical activity. This will include observation, self-assessment, peer assessment, and performance-based tasks.

We recognise the importance of collaboration with parents/carers and the wider academy community in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. We will communicate regularly with parents/carers about the PE curriculum and encourage their involvement in supporting their child's physical development.

Through this implementation of Physical Education, we strive to empower our children to become active, healthy, and engaged learners who value the importance of physical activity throughout their lives. We are committed to ongoing reflection and review of our program to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of our children and aligns with best practices in physical education.

Impact

Physical Education (PE) at LAPW, is fundamental to the holistic development of our children. PE fosters a lifelong love of physical activity, promotes well-being, and empowers children to become knowledgeable, principled, and balanced individuals.

Children acquire a broad range of fundamental movement skills and develop proficiency in various sports and physical activities. This builds their confidence, encourages active participation, and lays the foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle. Through understanding the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating, and the importance of rest and recovery, children develop the knowledge and skills to make informed choices that positively impact their physical, social, and emotional well-being. PE lessons are designed to encourage inquiry into movement concepts, strategies, and the human body. Children explore questions such as "How does my body move?", "Why are rules important in games?", and "How can we work together effectively?" fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Team-based activities and games provide opportunities for children to develop essential social skills such as cooperation, communication, negotiation, and fair play. They learn to work effectively with others, respect diverse perspectives, and contribute positively to a group. PE challenges children to set personal goals, persevere through challenges, and reflect on their progress. They develop self-discipline, resilience, and the ability to learn from both successes and setbacks. Through exploring different sports and physical activities from various cultures, children develop an appreciation for global diversity and the role of physical activity in different societies.

Our PE program goes beyond physical skills, empowering children to become active, healthy, and responsible global citizens who value the importance of movement and well-being throughout their lives. The positive impact of PE is evident in our children’s increased physical activity levels, improved social interactions, enhanced self-confidence, and a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

What we do at LAPW...

Our commitment to excellence in PE is evident through a variety of initiatives, including engaging lessons delivered by a Specialist Sports Coach who brings expert knowledge and passion to each session. We ensure every child has the opportunity to develop vital water safety skills and confidence through dedicated swimming lessons. To further enhance our provision, a dedicated cricket coach regularly visits the school to deliver specialised sessions, helping to nurture budding talent and introduce children to the sport's intricacies. Beyond the curriculum, we offer a vibrant range of after-school sports clubs, providing opportunities for children to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and participate in friendly competition. We also value strong partnerships, establishing links with local secondary schools that provide our older children with valuable work experience opportunities in sports and education, inspiring future pathways. Furthermore, as part of the Leigh Academies Trust, our children benefit from participating in exciting LAT Sports events, competing against other schools within the trust and experiencing a broader sporting landscape.

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