PE Curriculum Map

Physical Education at our school is far more than a break from the classroom; it is a meticulously designed "web of learning" where every movement is an intentional step toward physical literacy.

Our curriculum strategy—built on the pillars of Intent, Implementation, and Impact—ensures that PE is not merely "play" but a sequenced journey. From the moment children enter Nursery, we are cultivating the cognitive focus and social character required for long-term success.

The Early Years:

Exploring and Controlling Our Bodies

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, the focus is on Physical Development (PD). At this stage, the strategic importance lies in transforming natural, instinctive movement into controlled, purposeful actions.

The progression from Nursery to Reception is distinct and vital:

• Nursery: The focus is on exploration and building the physical strength required to manage equipment. Children learn to cooperatively transport large equipment, balancing weight to develop core strength. They explore "measured strength" through tools and learn to control their speed on bikes and scooters to ensure safety.

• Reception: Learning shifts toward precision and technical awareness. Children are taught to identify their dominant hand when throwing and the importance of kicking with both feet. This stage also introduces a rich cultural dimension; pupils move with imagination as they create their own dances, including Dragon dancing and Holi-inspired movements. We also introduce the "position of readiness," teaching children to run with their "head up" to avoid distractions and scan their environment.

First Connections

As children progress through the EYFS, parents will notice these "Sticky Knowledge" milestones:

• Spatial Awareness: Moving confidently while avoiding obstacles and understanding that "rushing can lead to mistakes."

• Technical Landing: Learning to land from jumps with "really soft knees" to protect the body and maintain balance.

• Physical Awareness: Identifying which body parts help with balancing and recognising the "effects of activity" on their own bodies.

• Social Readiness: Mastering turn-taking, sharing equipment, and following complex instructions during group games.

These foundational movements are the essential building blocks for the increasingly challenging situations they will meet in Key Stage 1.

Developing Mastery: Building Sequences and Tactics (Year 1 & Year 2)

As children enter Key Stage 1, the curriculum evolves from exploration to Mastery. We challenge pupils to apply their fundamental skills within specific contexts, moving from the floor to apparatus to test their confidence in increasingly demanding environments.

The Progression of Ideas

Our curriculum uses "Sticky Knowledge" to ensure learning connects across the years:

• Gymnastics: In Year 1, children master the three core shapes: Wide, Narrow, and Curled. They learn to "transition" (link) these shapes on both the floor and apparatus. In Year 2, this evolves into exploring Pathways—straight, zigzag, and curved. The goal is to achieve "Flow," which we define as moving from one action to another without stopping.

• Games: Year 1 focuses on "sending and receiving" and maintaining Possession (keeping the ball close to prevent defenders from gaining it). In Year 2, we introduce Tactics. Pupils learn to "outwit" opponents by hitting into space or using a technical Dodge—bending the knees, planting one foot, and leaning the body to one side to move away quickly.

• Dance: We move from responding to rhythm in Year 1 to creating a Motif in Year 2. A motif is a repeated series of movements that uses characterisation and Expression—the actions a dancer uses to make a character’s thoughts or feelings known—to tell a story.

The "So What?" Layer:

Linking Body and Mind

These lessons teach children to link movements into a sequence and think ahead using tactics.

These are vital cognitive skills; the ability to plan, execute, and adapt in a game is the same mental process used to solve a maths problem or structure a story.

The use of sophisticated vocabulary—such as Transition, Possession, and Expression—reflects the child's growing intellectual engagement with physical activity.

The "Powerful Knowledge" Web: Transferable Skills and Life Lessons

The pinnacle of our curriculum is "Powerful Knowledge"—the "sticky" facts and skills that allow children to make connections across different activities. We want our pupils to understand that a "dodge" used in a game of tag is the same "spatial awareness" needed to perform a dance sequence safely.

Core Transferable Concepts

• Space & Control: Whether finding a "pocket of space" in an invasion game or finding space on a gymnastics mat, the ability to scan and react is universal.

• Rhythm & Expression: Moving to a beat in Dance develops the "timing" and "coordination" essential for Athletics and ball striking.

• The "Character" Layer: PE is the primary environment where "fairness" and "resilience" are practiced in real-time.

  We track character progression as carefully as physical skills:

  • Year 1 Foundations: Developing Empathy by congratulating others and Honesty by keeping score fairly.

  • Year 2 Mastery: Demonstrating Integrity (playing by the rules even when challenged), Determination, and Self-motivation to improve their own performance.

By the end of Year 2, our pupils have grown from toddlers exploring how to hop in Nursery to confident, tactical, and co-operative learners.

Every lesson in our curriculum is designed to ensure that they leave Key Stage 1 with the physical competence and the strength of character to tackle any challenge that lies ahead.