St Nicholas's PE vision

At St Nicholas, our vision for PE is to inspire every child to enjoy being active while developing confidence, teamwork and a lifelong love of movement. We are committed to providing an inclusive PE curriculum where all pupils feel supported and able to succeed. To ensure high-quality, well-structured lessons, we use the PE Planning scheme, which offers clear progression, engaging activities and comprehensive lesson guidance. This helps us deliver exciting PE experiences that nurture physical skills, resilience and a positive attitude to health and wellbeing.

Key Goals: 

• Develop fundamental movement skills, including running, jumping, throwing, catching, balance, agility and coordination.

• Apply these skills in a range of activities, such as games, gymnastics and dance.

• Participate in team games, learning simple tactics, rules and cooperative play.

• Build confidence and competence in a variety of physical activities, supporting pupils to enjoy PE and stay active.

• Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance through different physical challenges and sports.

• Perform dances using simple movement patterns and explore creativity through movement.

• Learn to swim competently, confidently and safely, using a range of strokes (KS2 requirement).

• Use outdoor and adventurous activities to develop problem-solving, teamwork and resilience (KS2).

• Evaluate and recognise their own success, learning how to improve performance and understand personal progress.

• Promote lifelong physical activity, encouraging healthy habits, motivation and positive attitudes towards staying active.

PE Curriculum Overview

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Reception

Focus: Building fundamental movement skills and confidence
Core Elements:

• Gross Motor Skills: Running, jumping, climbing, balancing, negotiating space safely.

• Fine Motor Skills: Handling small equipment (balls, bats, beanbags), developing grip and control.

• Movement & Dance: Exploring different ways of moving to music, responding to rhythm and simple instructions.

• Games & Activities: Turn-taking, following simple rules, working with a partner or small group.

• Outdoor Learning: Using larger equipment, obstacle courses and free-flow play to build strength and coordination.
  End of EYFS Goal: Children are confident movers with good coordination, ready for more structured PE in KS1.

Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2)

Focus: Mastering basic movements and introducing simple tactics
Core Elements:

• Fundamental Skills: Running, jumping, throwing, catching, balancing and coordination.

• Games: Team and individual games using simple tactics such as defending space, aiming, chasing and dodging.

• Gymnastics: Developing shapes, balances, rolls and simple sequences.

• Dance: Learning simple movement patterns and performing basic routines.

• Fitness Activities: Understanding why exercise is important and exploring different ways to move.

• Outdoor Activities: Introduction to simple problem-solving and team challenges.
  End of KS1 Goal: Children can use basic skills confidently and apply them in simple games and activities.

Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6)

Focus: Developing a broader skill set, applying tactics and building resilience
Core Elements:

• Games: Competitive invasion games (football, netball), striking and fielding (cricket, rounders) and net/wall games (tennis).

• Tactics & Strategy: Attacking and defending, teamwork, positioning and decision-making.

• Gymnastics: Complex balances, movement pathways, partner and group sequences.

• Dance: Choreographed routines, expression, control and performing to an audience.

• Athletics: Running events, jumping and throwing with improved technique.

• Outdoor & Adventurous Activities: Teamwork, problem-solving, map skills and group challenges.

• Swimming (Statutory):

  • Swim 25m confidently

  • Use a range of strokes

  • Learn safe self-rescue techniques

• Health & Wellbeing: Understanding how physical activity impacts physical and mental health.
  End of KS2 Goal: Children are confident, skilled and motivated to lead active, healthy lives in and beyond primary school.