P.E. and Swimming

What is the subject objective?

Physical Education, including sports, swimming and recreation are integral components of our comprehensive curriculum. The objectives and aims below demonstrate a holistic approach to the development of pupils, encompassing physical, social and mental wellbeing.

Expression and Challenge: Providing pupils with opportunities to express themselves physically and challenge both themselves and others fosters personal growth and resilience.

Diverse Experiences: Offering a variety of sports and activities ensures that pupils have a well-rounded exposure, promoting versatility and adaptability.

Teamwork and Social Skills: The focus on team and individual games, as well as outdoor and adventurous activities, encourages teamwork, trust-building, and problem-solving skills.

Health and Well-being: Recognising the role of physical activity in regulating anxiety levels and improving overall health reflects a holistic understanding of well-being.

Competitive Spirit: Encouraging pupils to participate in competitive sports and activities, whether within the school or through community links, promotes a healthy sense of competition and sportsmanship.

Reflective Practice: The emphasis on analysing personal performance for improvement encourages self-awareness and a growth mindset among pupils.

Community Engagement: The promotion of involvement in sports and activities outside the school through community links or sports clubs enhances the pupils' sense of community and provides additional avenues for development.

Life Skills: The recognition that physical education contributes to the development of skills for independence and values for life, such as leadership, underscores the broader impact on personal growth and character.

Sustainable Habits: Ensuring that pupils lead healthy and active lives not only during their time at Redwood but also into the future reflects a commitment to instilling lifelong habits.

Positive Environment: Placing physical education, sports, and regular physical activity at the heart of the school demonstrates a commitment to creating a positive environment that supports the health and well-being of pupils.

Pupils will learn a range of skills throughout their P.E. and Swimming provision, these include physical fitness like cardio-vascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility. Motor skills including co-ordination, balance and agility. Pupils will experience individual sports and how to work in a team. Fundamental learning about health and wellness – nutrition and managing personal zones of regulation. As a result of a diverse curriculum pupils will learn lifelong fitness habits including how and where they can exercise for free in their communities.

How is the subject delivered?

All pupils will have 2 double P.E. lessons each week. Ideally 1 P.E. and 1 swimming.

We have a structured approach to the curriculum, with a focus on different skill areas in KS3 and the application of consolidated skills in KS4, this is designed for the holistic development of pupils. The inclusion of swimming lessons and P.E. classes each week in KS3 not only contributes to physical fitness but also addresses the crucial aspect of water safety. The emphasis on transference of skills through various activities and the ongoing reinforcement of these skills throughout the key stage allows pupils to really grasp the concepts being taught. This approach helps pupils to not only acquire the skills but also to internalise and apply them in different contexts, promoting a deeper understanding.

In KS4, we provide opportunities for pupils to apply the consolidated skills in different local environments. This real-world application of skills not only enhances pupils' fitness levels but also encourages them to take responsibility for their own health and well-being. The focus on lifelong health and fitness skills is essential in preparing pupils for a healthy and active lifestyle beyond their school years. Some pupils also benefit form a more sensory approach to P.E. and so take part in sessions supporting their sensory needs.

Impact and accreditation

Our balanced curriculum promotes the importance of regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle choice, pupils develop their cognitive development by learning to make quick decisions and understand rules in different contexts. Pupils have developed a physical literacy ensuring they have the knowledge, skills and motivation to continue lifelong physical health.

Our P.E. and Swimming curriculum plays a crucial role in developing motor skills, coordination, and balance, it provides opportunities for social interaction and teamwork. This can be particularly beneficial for developing social skills and fostering a sense of belonging. We celebrate individual achievements and focus on the personal progress of each pupil, fostering a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

In KS4 we also offer pupils the opportunity to pick Sport and Leisure as an option. They will work towards gaining a WJEC qualification in Sport and Active Leisure.

Reading across the curriculum

P.E. and Swimming provides opportunities for pupils to learn key terminology of activities and fitness. These can be seen around our teaching space. Pupils can make words up in the swimming pool and have opportunities to read maps, instructions and find symbols in the community.

Linking with our vision

P.E. and Swimming lends itself to this fully, we are always striving for excellence, developing resilience in various ways, activities, locations, teams and partners. We always look to ensure pupils have the skills to live their healthiest life now and in the future.

Redwood Park Academy