Curriculum aims
Learning and undertaking activities in physical education contribute to achievement
of the curriculum aims for all young people to become:
- successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve
- confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling
lives
- responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.
The importance of physical education
PE develops pupils' competence and confidence to take part in a range of
physical activities that become a central part of their lives, both in and
out of school.
A high-quality PE curriculum enables all pupils to enjoy and succeed in many
kinds of physical activity. They develop a wide range of skills and the ability
to use tactics, strategies and compositional ideas to perform successfully.
When they are performing they think about what they are doing, analyse the
situation and make decisions (IE4 analyse and evaluate information, judging its relevance and value). They also reflect on their own and others' performances
and find ways to improve them. As a result, they develop the confidence to
take part in different physical activities and learn about the value of healthy,
active lifestyles. Discovering what they like to do and what their aptitudes
are at school helps them make informed choices (IE6 support conclusions, using reasoned arguments and evidence) about lifelong physical activity.
PE helps pupils develop personally and socially. They work as individuals,
in groups and in teams, developing concepts of fairness and of personal and
social responsibility. They take on different roles and responsibilities,
including leadership, coaching and officiating. Through the range of experiences
that PE offers, they learn how to be effective in competitive, creative and
challenging situations.
Key concepts
There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of PE. Pupils
need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge,
skills and understanding.
Competence
- Developing control in whole-body and fine manipulation skills.
- Selecting and using skills, tactics and compositional ideas effectively
in different types of physical activity.
- Responding with body and mind to the demands of an activity.
- Being adaptable to a widening range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Performance
- Carrying out actions, roles and responsibilities to bring about successful
outcomes.
- Developing awareness of other participants and audiences that affect performers.
- Understanding of how to be successful in different types of activity.
Creativity
- Using imaginative ways to solve problems and overcome challenges.
- Exploring and experimenting with techniques, tactics and compositional
ideas.
Healthy, active lifestyles
- Understanding that physical activity contributes to the healthy functioning
of the body and mind and is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.
- Recognising that regular physical activity that is fit for purpose, safe
and enjoyable has the greatest impact on physical, mental and social well-being.
Key processes
These are the essential skills and processes in PE that pupils need to learn
to make progress.
Developing skills in physical activity
Pupils should be able to:
- refine and adapt skills into techniques
- develop the range of skills they use
- develop the precision, control and fluency of their skills.
Being creative and making decisions
Pupils should be able to:
- select and use tactics, strategies and compositional ideas effectively
- develop their plan what they need to practise to be more effective in
their performance
- refine and adapt their ideas and plans in response to changing circumstances.
Developing physical and mental capacity
Pupils should be able to:
- develop their physical strength, stamina, speed and flexibility
- develop their mental determination to succeed.
Evaluating and improving
Pupils should be able to:
- analyse performances, identifying strengths and weaknesses
- make decisions about what to do to improve the performance
- act on their decisions in future performances.
Making informed choices about healthy, active lifestyles
Pupils should be able to:
- identify the types of activity they are best suited to
- identify the types of role they would like to take on
- make choices about their involvement in healthy physical activity.
Range and content
This section outlines the breadth of the subject on which teachers should
draw when teaching the key concepts and key processes.
The study of PE should include activities that cover at least three of the
following:
- outwitting opponents, as in games activities
- accurate replication of actions, phrases and sequences as in gymnastic
activities
- exploring and communicating ideas, concepts and emotions, as in dance
activities
- performing at maximum levels in relation to speed, height, distance, strength
or accuracy, as in athletic activities
- identifying and solving problems (IE1 identify questions to answer and problems to resolve) to overcome challenges of an adventurous
nature, as in life saving and personal survival in swimming, and outdoor
activities
- exercising safely and effectively to improve health and well-being as
in fitness and health activities.
Curriculum opportunities
During the key stage pupils should be offered the following opportunities
that are integral to their learning and enhance their engagement with the
concepts, processes and content of the subject.
The curriculum should provide opportunities for pupils to:
- get involved in a range of activities that develop the whole body
- experience a range of roles within a physical activity
- specialise in specific activities and roles
- follow pathways to other activities in and beyond school
- perform as an individual, in a group or as part of a team in formal competitions
or performances to audiences beyond the class
- use ICT as an aid to improving performance and tracking progress
- make links between PE and other subjects and areas of the curriculum.
