Why we teach physical education

At St. Anne’s Infant School, our aim is to inspire our children to develop the skills and understanding required to make a positive impact to their own well-being and physical health.  We believe that through high quality Physical Education, children should have the opportunity to experience a wide range of physical activities that develop the whole child, giving them the physical literacy, strength and endurance required to overcome barriers and succeed now and in their adult life.  Our active learners benefit from positive physical experiences that develop their confidence, improve their social skills and build upon their self-belief and resilience.

The knowledge, skills and understanding children develop

Through our inclusive and active PE curriculum children have equal opportunities to take part and develop competence in a broad range of activities through which they grow physically, socially, cognitively and creatively.  Children acquire key communication skills that enable them to work effectively within a team.  Their leadership skills are strengthened, as is their ability to take direction from others in order to reach a shared goal.  Children are equipped with the language and vocabulary they need to confidently evaluate their own and other’s achievements.  Our energetic learners gain the knowledge and understanding of how physical activity leads to an improvement in their health and fitness, mental health and overall happiness.  Our inspiring curriculum provides the children with transferable life skills and values such as self-discipline, fairness and respect.   

The learning experience

The PE curriculum at St Anne’s Infants’ is taught through the REAL PE scheme.  Fundamental movement skills and gymnastics skills are key to each lesson and are progressive within and between year groups.  From the moment children join our school, active learning becomes an integral part of our young learner’s day.  Gross motor skills are strengthened through exciting and invigorating learning experiences which help to develop healthy bodies and social and emotional well-being.  Fine motor skills are also practised to enhance their control and precision leading to improved hand-eye coordination.  In both Foundation Stage and Year 1, lessons are brought to life with exciting themes using songs and stories to teach children new skills.  Skills based games in Year 2 provide the opportunity for children to apply and extend the knowledge they have learnt during their Physical Education journey.  Visits from inspirational Paralympians and motivational sports coaches encourage our children to develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness and they are motivated to strive for success and to reach for the stars.  Opportunities for short burst, physical activity are incorporated into the day in order to boost children’s energy and stimulate their senses, maximising their concentration and learning readiness.  Children are also invited to participate in and further their skills through the provision of extra-curricular activities.