Our Learning Sequence

At St Thomas Aquinas School, we want all children to have the opportunity to the physically active for sustained period of time and to have the opportunity to explore a range of sports. We also want all of our pupils to lead healthy, active lives. All children will participate in two 1-hour lessons each week, which will follow the National Curriculum.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, the main PE focus is on experimenting and gaining control of their fundamental movement skills, which include running, jumping, throwing and catching. In addition, they will also develop their skills of agility, balance and coordination (both individually and with others).

In Key Stage 2, we aim to apply their basic movements in a range of sport contexts, refining and combining their skills as they progress. We want all children to have the opportunity to engage in competitive and collaborative activities where they can apply their teamwork and PE skills.

The PE lesson structure will follow this sequence:

• Warm up
• Introduce a skill
• Practise a skill
• Apply a skill
• Cool down

Within a sport unit, teachers will follow the unit sequence which will ensure that the children’s skills are built on.

In the Early Years, the majority of PE learning will come under the heading of ‘Physical Development’ however it will also meet statements within the ’Personal, Social and Emotional Development’ and ‘Expressive Arts and Design’ areas of learning.

In each year group and across each topic prior knowledge is used to build upon developing their breadth of knowledge and their confidence.

Teachers will teach their own PE lessons, with support available from the subject leader and an external PE specialist who visits weekly to support teachers and the development of the curriculum. Pre-written plans are used, although teachers may develop certain activities to best suit their class.