Physical Education

Our vision for physical education

PE develops movement, physical confidence, cooperation and understanding of active, healthy living. Children experience individual and team activities and learn to improve their performance.

What children learn

Year A (2026–27) is being taught now. Year B (2027–28) follows next year. Years 1–2 use Cornerstones Year 1 projects, Years 3–4 use Year 4 projects and Years 5–6 use Year 6 projects where Cornerstones is used. Individual year-group expectations remain important.

Cycle and phase	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Year A · Years 1–2	Fundamentals Team Building; Athletics Fitness	Dance Gymnastics	Ball Skills Sending and Receiving; Striking and Field Games Target Games
Year A · Years 3–4	Fundamentals Y3/4 Athletics; Dance Dodgeball	Dance Gymnastics/Swimming; Cricket Gymnastics/Swimming	Golf Football/Swimming; Rounders Basketball
Year A · Years 5–6	Golf Swimming/Athletics; Dance Swimming/Athletics	Outdoor Adventurous Activities Dance; Dodge Ball Gymnastics	Rounders Athletics; Cricket Basketball
Year B · Years 1–2	Fundamentals; Ball Skills; Athletics; Sending and Receiving	Gymnastics; Target Games; Gymnastics; Invasion Games	Dance; Striking and Fielding Games; Dance; Net and Wall Games
Year B · Years 3–4	Tag Rugby Netball; Touch Rugby Fundamentals	Gymnastics Dodgeball; Tennis Dance	Athletics Swimming; Cricket Swimming
Year B · Years 5–6	Swimming; Dance; Swimming; Athletics	Gymnastics; Hockey; Tag Rugby; Gymnastics	Tennis; Dodge Ball; Badminton; Cricket

Essential Knowledge and progression

Reception focuses on fundamental movements, dance, ball skills, gymnastics and games. Later units develop movement and tactics in games, athletics, dance, gymnastics and other activities; swimming appears in the phase plans. Activities may be adjusted to fit facilities and teaching arrangements.

A learning journey: In Reception and KS1, children learn to balance, travel, send and receive a ball and cooperate in simple games. In Years 3–4, they apply these movements in units such as cricket, dodgeball, dance and gymnastics, making choices about space, timing and technique. In Years 5–6, pupils use skills and tactics in more demanding games, improve performances and reflect on what makes a strategy effective. Swimming develops water confidence, safety and swimming competence through the programme offered to the relevant classes.

How we teach it

Teachers model and practise movements, explain rules and help children reflect on how to improve. Pupils learn to cooperate, participate safely and apply skills in different contexts. We have a coach from the North Oxfordshire Partnership who coaches teachers on their pedagogy throughout the year.

DISCERN in this subject: A PE lesson can start by recalling a movement or game rule. The teacher demonstrates a new skill, offers supported practice, and pupils try it with partners. Observations and questions check technique and safe participation before pupils apply the skill in a game or routine. Reflection helps them set a goal for the next session.

How all children take part

Teachers introduce and revisit key vocabulary, model new ideas clearly and adapt resources and support so that every child can participate and show understanding. Children who are ready to go further can explain, compare, apply and question their learning.

How we check learning

Teachers check understanding through questions, discussion, pupil work and practical activity. They revisit essential knowledge, address misconceptions and use what they learn about pupils to plan the next steps.

The school’s Marking and Feedback Policy also applies here. Evidence may be spoken, practical, digital or written: a brief observation, question, performance, product or recorded response can show the Essential Knowledge. Feedback identifies the next useful step and informs what the teacher revisits.

Beyond the classroom

Clubs, competitions and active play can extend participation beyond lessons. Football training is offered throughout the 2026/2027 club programme; golf featured in summer 2026. The current offer and eligible year groups are shared with families each term. The school is currently Schools Game Mark Gold and we proudly offer a programme of enticement opportunities open to all children throughout the year. This includes opportunities for children with SEND. We are a member of the North Oxfordshire Sports Partnership.