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Physical Education

At Bamford Academy we are Athletes!

Our children are at the heart of everything we do, and in Physical Education (PE) we want every child to see themselves as someone who can move, play, compete and stay active with confidence and joy. PE is one of the ways we help our children grow into lifelong learners who are happy, ambitious and curious about the world around them. It is also where our core values come to life every day - Respect, Perseverance, Kindness, Acceptance and Responsibility - from encouraging a teammate during a game to taking pride in personal improvement. You can read more on our Our Values page and in our Headteacher’s Welcome.

We hope this page helps you understand what your child will experience in PE and how you can share in their learning journey.

Physical Education at Bamford - At a glance

Who: every child from Reception to Year 6 is encouraged to see themselves as an Athlete.
How much: pupils participate in up to 2 hours of high-quality PE lessons each week.
What: a dynamic and varied programme covering invasion games, net & wall games, striking and fielding games, gymnastics, dance, health and fitness, outdoor and adventure, and swimming.
How: practical, engaging lessons following the APES principles (Active, Purposeful, Enjoyable, Safe) and developing CARDS (Creativity, Awareness, Resilience, Decision Making, Self-Organisation).
Key strands: fundamental movement skills, sport-specific techniques, teamwork, leadership, health and fitness, and competitive opportunities against self and others.
Inclusive: every child experiences success regardless of prior experience, with adaptations using STEPS (Space, Task and Time, Equipment and Environment, People, Safety) that keep high expectations for all.
Performance & enrichment: regular opportunities through extracurricular clubs, competitive events and festivals within the local area and beyond, Sports Ambassadors in Years 5 and 6, and Sports Day.
Values & British Values: PE develops Respect, Perseverance, Kindness, Acceptance and Responsibility, and supports Mutual Respect, Individual Liberty, Democracy, the Rule of Law and Tolerance through fair play, teamwork and valuing different abilities.

Intent: Why we teach Physical Education at Bamford Academy

We teach Physical Education (PE) so that every child can develop their physical potential, foster a lifelong love of being active, and leave Bamford Academy with the confidence, skills and knowledge to lead healthy, active lives.

PE is an integral part of our curriculum. We strive to create a culture which aims to inspire an active generation to enjoy PE, encourage each other and achieve. We provide a safe and supportive environment for children to flourish in a range of different physical activities, which is essential in supporting their physical, emotional, spiritual, social and moral development. We aspire for children to adopt a Growth Mindset and believe that anything can be achieved with determination, positivity and resilience.

At Bamford we offer a dynamic and varied programme of activity to ensure that all children progress physically through a unique and fully inclusive PE curriculum. Our curriculum aims to improve the wellbeing and fitness of all children, not only through the sporting skills taught, but through the underpinning values and disciplines PE promotes. We aim to deliver high-quality teaching and learning opportunities that enable all children to achieve their personal best. All children participate in competitive sports, which can be against self and/or others. We encourage children to transfer the school values to sport and physical activity, ensuring that they aim to be the very best that they can be whilst demonstrating the school vision of growing together as lifelong learners.

We aim for all children to be physically active for sustained periods of time and to be able to make informed decisions to lead healthy and active lives, embedding lifelong values. Swimming is an important life skill, and we aspire for all children to leave primary school having met at least the minimum requirements of the National Curriculum.

What do we want every child to achieve in Physical Education?

Develop confidence and skill across a broad range of physical activities and sports
Build fundamental movement skills and apply them in different contexts
Understand how to lead a healthy and active lifestyle
Grow in creativity, resilience, teamwork, decision-making and self-organisation
Leave primary school with a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity and the swimming skills to stay safe in water

How does Physical Education help children learn about British values?

Physical Education is a natural place to practise the values that matter in modern Britain. Children learn Mutual Respect by valuing teammates and opponents of different abilities; Individual Liberty by making choices about how to perform and improve movements; Democracy through team discussions and shared decision-making; the Rule of Law by following agreed rules, safety routines and the decisions of officials; and Tolerance by accepting that everyone develops skills at different rates. Our school values of Respect, Perseverance, Kindness, Acceptance and Responsibility run through every lesson - from supporting a classmate during a challenging skill to persevering when refining a performance.

Implementation: How we teach Physical Education at Bamford Academy

Physical Education is taught through high-quality weekly lessons that are practical, engaging and progressive, ensuring every child experiences success.

PE at Bamford Academy provides challenging and enjoyable learning through a range of sporting activities including invasion games, net and wall games, striking and fielding games, gymnastics, dance, health and fitness, outdoor and adventure, and swimming. Pupils participate in up to 2 hours of high-quality PE lessons each week, covering two different sports or skills focuses each half term.

Swimming is a compulsory element of the PE curriculum and is offered to all children in Year 4. Where possible, boosters may be offered to children in Years 5 and 6 for those who do not yet meet the National Curriculum objectives.

What are the key principles behind our PE teaching?

Practical and inclusive: lessons are centred on active participation so every child experiences success, regardless of previous experience.
APES principles: every lesson is designed to be Active, Purposeful, Enjoyable and Safe.
CARDS development: planning and teaching develop Creativity, Awareness, Resilience, Decision Making and Self-Organisation.
Clear pedagogical approach: teachers use the I do, We do, You do model. Lessons begin with a clear learning intention and success criteria, followed by a warm-up, direct teaching of knowledge and skills, independent and cooperative practice, and a cool-down with reflection.
Progressive sequencing: the Long-Term Overview ensures the requirements of the National Curriculum are fully met. Teachers use and adapt planning and resources so lessons across years show clear progression.
Extra-curricular and enrichment: children are encouraged to join inclusive clubs (KS1 and KS2, occasionally Foundation Stage). Active travel is promoted, break-time equipment is available, and Sports Ambassadors in Years 5 and 6 act as role models and help shape the sporting offer.
Competitive opportunities: children are invited to attend competitive sporting events and festivals within the local area and beyond, developing teamwork, leadership and mental well-being.

In the classroom: Yoga and Fundamental Movement Skills (Years 1 and 2 – Cycle A, Autumn 1)

In this unit, children learn and perform yoga poses (lying, sitting, standing, moving and balancing), develop breathing techniques and complete a full routine. Alongside this they develop fundamental movement skills: travelling in different ways and directions, varying speed, creating body shapes, jumping and landing safely, and linking movements into short sequences.

Children develop body control, posture, balance and core strength. They practise encouraging classmates, giving constructive feedback and celebrating progress at different rates. They experience Mutual Respect by valuing others’ efforts, Individual Liberty by making choices about how to perform movements, and Perseverance by practising challenging poses and sequences until they improve.

You may notice your child… trying yoga poses or breathing exercises at home; moving with greater control and awareness of space; talking about balance, stretch or sequence; or showing pride in practising a skill until it improves. Joining in with these moments is a wonderful way to share their learning.

Impact: What children achieve in Physical Education

By the time children leave Bamford Academy, we expect them to be enthusiastic, confident movers who enjoy physical activity and understand its value for lifelong health and wellbeing.

They demonstrate increasing physical skills and apply them across a variety of sports and activities. Our pupils are physically active, and this has a positive impact on their learning in the classroom. Children understand how to lead a healthy lifestyle and the importance of regular exercise. We aspire for children to enjoy PE and develop a love of sport and physical activity which becomes part of their future life outside of primary school.

Children can represent the school at sporting events from local to county level. We share sporting achievements both in and out of school in our newsletters and in class. Staff are also encouraged to be sporting role models. We aim for all Year 6 pupils to leave school with the skills to competently swim at least 25 metres and to self-rescue in the water - key life skills.

What does success look like in Physical Education?

Success is not about a perfect performance or winning every game. It looks like a child who is willing to join in, ready to try a new skill or game, and resilient when something needs more practice. It sounds like a child using accurate vocabulary to talk about movement, offering kind encouragement to a teammate, and reflecting on how a skill or performance has improved. And it grows as children connect classroom learning with clubs, competitions and Sports Day, recognise the value of fair play and different abilities, and take pride in their own and others’ achievements.

What your child will learn in Physical Education: Curriculum Overview

PE units are planned across two-year cycles. Years 1 and 2, Years 3 and 4, and Years 5 and 6 follow Cycle A and Cycle B. Key skills and concepts are revisited and deepened over time. Physical activity is celebrated throughout school life through classroom learning, clubs, competitions, Sports Ambassadors and Sports Day. Open each section below to see the units your child will study.

Foundation Stage – Reception

Children explore movement through first-hand experiences, play and adult-led activities.

Autumn: Transitions; Yoga; Fundamental Movement Skills 1
Spring: Dance; Fundamental Movement Skills 2; Gymnastics; Introduction to Racket Skills
Summer: Fundamental Movement Skills 3; Introduction to Games 1; Sports Day; Introduction to Games 2

Years 1 and 2 – Cycle A

Autumn 1: Yoga; Fundamental Movement Skills 1 – Moving & Body Control
Autumn 2: Dance; Fundamental Movement Skills 2
Spring 1: Gymnastics; Fundamental Movement Skills 3
Spring 2: Racket Skills; Net and Wall
Summer 1: Games; Striking and Fielding
Summer 2: Jag Tag; Sports Day

Years 1 and 2 – Cycle B

Autumn 1: Yoga; Fundamental Movement Skills 1
Autumn 2: Dance; Fundamental Movement Skills 2
Spring 1: Gymnastics; Fundamental Movement Skills 3
Spring 2: Racket Skills; Net and Wall
Summer 1: Games; Striking and Fielding
Summer 2: Jag Tag; Sports Day

Years 3 and 4 – Cycle A (Year 4 Swimming)

Autumn 1: Gymnastics 1; Netball
Autumn 2: Fitness 1; Rugby
Spring 1: Dance 1; Hockey
Spring 2: Volleyball; Handball
Summer 1: Dodgeball; Tri-Golf
Summer 2: Cricket; Athletics 1

Years 3 and 4 – Cycle B

Autumn 1: Dance 2; Basketball
Autumn 2: Badminton; Jag Tag
Spring 1: Gymnastics 2; Football
Spring 2: Tennis; Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (OAA)
Summer 1: Yoga; Fitness 2
Summer 2: Rounders; Athletics 2

Years 5 and 6 – Cycle A

Autumn 1: Gymnastics 1; Netball
Autumn 2: Fitness 1; Rugby
Spring 1: Dance 1; Hockey
Spring 2: Volleyball; Handball
Summer 1: Dodgeball; Tri-Golf
Summer 2: Cricket; Athletics 1

Years 5 and 6 – Cycle B

Autumn 1: Dance 2; Basketball
Autumn 2: Badminton; Jag Tag
Spring 1: Gymnastics 2; Football
Spring 2: Tennis; Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (OAA)
Summer 1: Lacrosse; Fitness 2
Summer 2: Rounders; Athletics 2

How you can help your child with Physical Education at home

You do not need to be a Sports Coach - just encouraging and active! Playing games together, walking or cycling to school, talking about how being active makes you feel, and celebrating perseverance when learning a new skill are all simple ways to support your child.

View and download our Physical Education curriculum documents:

Would you prefer a paper copy? We are happy to provide a free printed copy of any of these documents please ask at the school office, call 01706 631496 or email office@bamfordacademy.co.uk.

Supporting every child

Physical Education is for every child at Bamford Academy. Lessons are fully inclusive and adapted to meet individual needs. Teachers use STEPS (Space, Task and Time, Equipment and Environment, People, Safety) to support those with SEND and differentiate in PE lessons. Practical activities allow pupils to demonstrate understanding and progress from their individual starting points whilst maintaining high expectations for every learner. You can read more about how we support children on our SEND page.

If you feel your child might need extra support or extra challenge in Physical Education, please talk to your child’s teacher. We will always work with you to find the right way forward.

Frequently Asked Questions about Physical Education at Bamford Academy

How much PE will my child do each week?

Pupils participate in up to 2 hours of high-quality PE lessons each week, covering two different sports or skills focuses each half term. Physical activity is also embedded throughout the school day through initiatives such as active break times, active travel and extracurricular clubs.

Does Bamford Academy follow the National Curriculum for PE?

Yes. Our curriculum ensures that the requirements of the National Curriculum are fully met through a carefully sequenced Long-Term Overview suited to our mixed-age structure. Pupils progressively develop fundamental movement skills, sport-specific techniques, health and fitness knowledge, and the ability to apply skills in competitive and cooperative contexts.

Will my child get to take part in competitive sport and clubs?

Yes. Children are encouraged to join inclusive and enjoyable extracurricular clubs (offered to KS1 and KS2, occasionally Foundation Stage). They are also invited to attend competitive sporting events and festivals within the local area and beyond. Sports Ambassadors in Years 5 and 6 help organise activities and act as role models. All children take part in Sports Day.

How is PE made inclusive for all children?

PE lessons are fully inclusive. Teachers use STEPS (Space, Task and Time, Equipment and Environment, People, Safety) to adapt lessons so every child can participate and progress. Practical activities, flexible grouping, additional adult support where appropriate and high expectations from individual starting points ensure all children experience success.

When do children learn to swim?

Swimming is a compulsory element of the PE curriculum and is offered to all children in Year 4. Where possible, booster sessions may be offered to children in Years 5 and 6 for those who have not yet met the National Curriculum objectives. We aim for all Year 6 pupils to leave school able to swim at least 25 metres and self-rescue in the water.

How do teachers check how my child is doing in PE?

Progress is measured through ongoing teacher assessment during lessons, observation of performance, discussion and half-termly assessments. Teachers use formative assessment and verbal feedback at the point of learning to monitor progress and inform future teaching. Individual challenges are encouraged to support learning and participation. If you have questions about your child’s progress, please speak to their class teacher.

Get in touch

We welcome questions and queries about Physical Education and would love to hear from you.

If you have any questions about the curriculum, would like to find out more about how to support your child, or would like a free printed copy of any document, please contact the school office.