"Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity."

John F Kennedy

Intent

At Heartwood, we aim to inspire all children to develop a love of physical activity and sport through our weekly PE lessons, daily physical activity, sports clubs and cluster competitions.  We are dedicated to ensuring healthy minds, as well as bodies, and we strive to educate both our children and families to develop a greater understanding on how to live healthy lifestyles and make healthy choices. 

We aim to ensure that our delivery of physical education allows all children to have the skills and mindset to leave primary school with the capabilities to be successful in their sporting challenges and active lifestyles at secondary school and beyond. Through the teaching of good physical education, whole school values and a whole child approach, we aim to nurture confident, resilient children who will strive for their personal best and who display good sportsmanship. 

We want to aid our children in obtaining the values and skills to celebrate and respect the success of others, as well as modestly celebrating their own successes. Children will learn the importance of working within teams developing their communication and collaborative skills. We listen to our children wants and needs and provide them with a range of active experiences and clubs. We have strong links with local clubs and partnerships within our community to ensure the children and families receive the support and knowledge they need. We enable spiritual development by allowing our children the freedom to move and express themselves.

Implementation:

• A rich curriculum: Investment in sporting equipment to provide a broad range of sporting opportunities, and sufficient equipment to encourage full participation and engagement. 
• Competition: Opportunity for all children to take part in competition (cluster sports, sports day, intra competitions, inter competitions and community events) across the academic year. 
• Inclusion: Investment in equipment to ensure all pupils can participate in every lesson, and staff training on using the STEP principle, 
• Daily physical activity: Utilising the longer school day for yoga, short fitness activities, and active maths/literacy. 

Impact 

• Physical activity will become part of the school day and staff and pupils will understand the benefits of regular movement. 
• Increased activity levels for all pupils. 
• Full participation and engagement in structured PE lessons. 
• All children will be able to access, and have the opportunity to participate in a range of sports competitions.

National Curriculum

 Our objectives in the teaching of PE align with the National Curriculum in that we aim to ensure all pupils:

• Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities.
• Are physically active for sustained periods of time.
• Engage in competitive sports and activities.
• Lead healthy, active lives

Key Stage Three and beyond

Our curriculum is designed to prepare the children for the next stages in their education in each subject. Our curriculum map plans to support the declarative and procedural knowledge needed for the children to access and thrive in PE in KS3.

How do we teach PE?

EYFS

In the EYFS, through the physical development strand of the curriculum, we plan in physical activity which enables the children to develop early gross and fine skills. The children will develop strength, coordination and positional awareness through planned activities, games, play and the provision. Nursery children have a weekly session with the qualified sports coach Josh from ICS Sports. 

KS1/2

In KS1 and KS2 we use the Get Set 4 PE curriculum to plan and teach our lessons. These cover all areas of the curriculum and more. We promote outdoor and indoor PE and activity.  The aim of our PE programme is to develop children's basic physical competencies, build confidence in their ability and build the foundations for a lifelong love of sport, physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. PE lessons encourage children to compete against themselves and others whilst being challenged to improve their physical, social, emotional and thinking skills. These skills are embedded in the heart of our planning.

Swimming

In Year 3 and 4 the children will learn to swim, or improve their swimming, at Dereham Leisure Centre. This is taught by two qualified swimming teachers. For those pupils in Year 5 and 6 that cannot yet swim, they will have additional swimming sessions to aim for the 25 metres independent swim. 

Football Academy

At Heartwood we aim for every child to be a footballer and leave the school as a confident football player. From year 2-6 children all have a weekly session taught by Josh from ICS coaching to teach them a progressive and inspirational approach to football. 

Healthy minds 

Children in Reception to Year 6 have daily mindfulness sessions after lunch.

Competitive sports

At Heartwood we compete in sports in-house through termly competitions including football, field and track and we compete locally with cluster and other county schools. This includes athletics, rugby and dodgeball. 

Enrichment 

At Heartwood, we provide an enrichment of sporting activities, including a residential to Horstead and outdoor physical activity in our Forest school.  We offer a range of extra-curricular clubs including running, multi-sports, rounders, cricket and yoga.  Throughout each academic year, there will be oppurtunities for pupil to take part in intra-school, inter-school and external sports competitions. 

Making a Difference

Our PE curriculum at Heartwood, combined with Life Skills, aims to give our children the knowledge to make informed decisions about fitness and healthy choices for living. We are developing partnerships other schools and sporting establishments, such as ICS sports and Swaffham Town Football club to enhance the provision for our pupils and the community. 

Online learning links