At Lindley Junior School, we are committed to providing a broad, balanced, and inclusive Physical Education curriculum that inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in physical activity, regardless of ability. Underpinned by the National Curriculum and enriched through our partnership with the Pennine Schools Sports Partnership, our intent is to deliver high-quality teaching and learning opportunities that meet the needs of every child within a supportive yet appropriately challenging environment. Through the implementation of Beyond the Physical’s Scheme of Learning, we aim to provide a holistic approach to Physical Education that enables pupils to acquire, develop, and master fundamental movement skills while deepening their knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles.

We ensure that all pupils develop competence across a broad range of physical activities and are motivated to enjoy and participate in sport both now and in later life. Our curriculum is designed to promote not only physical development, but also cognitive and social growth. Pupils are encouraged to think strategically, solve problems, and work collaboratively, developing key life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience, fairness, and respect. Opportunities are provided for pupils to compete appropriately, cooperate effectively, and demonstrate good sportsmanship in a range of contexts.

We are committed to increasing participation in physical activity through a wide range of opportunities, including high-quality PE lessons, extracurricular clubs, competitive sport, and links with community providers. Through the effective use of Sports Premium funding, we enhance staff expertise, broaden sporting experiences, and provide targeted support for all pupils, including those who are most able and those with SEND. Physical activity is embedded throughout the school day to support pupils’ physical health, mental wellbeing, concentration, and behaviour. We aim for all pupils to be active for sustained periods and to understand the importance of leading healthy, active lifestyles, enabling them to make informed choices that will benefit them throughout their lives. Ultimately, we intend for all pupils to leave Lindley Junior School with a lifelong love of physical activity and sport, a secure understanding of its benefits, and the personal qualities needed to thrive. Through Physical Education, we also actively promote British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance.

Our PE curriculum is inclusive, progressive, and enables all children to acquire, develop, and master fundamental movement skills while deepening their knowledge and understanding of key concepts. It provides rich and varied opportunities that foster a lifelong love of physical activity, sport, and healthy living. As a result, pupils demonstrate consistently high engagement in curriculum PE, as well as in wider physical activity and school sport. Pupils competently apply fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching in isolation and in combination. They participate confidently in competitive games, applying basic principles of attacking and defending effectively. In gymnastics, pupils apply skills safely, link movements fluently into sequences, and demonstrate control and creativity. Across gymnastics and athletics, they develop and refine flexibility, strength, technique, control, and balance. Pupils also perform dances confidently, using a range of movement patterns with increasing precision and expression. Pupils regularly evaluate their performance, compare it with previous attempts, and demonstrate clear and sustained improvement, showing a strong commitment to achieving their personal best. They are highly physically active and articulate a secure understanding of the importance of regular exercise in leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Pupils demonstrate increased self-esteem, confidence, communication skills, resilience, improved behaviour, and sustained focus through high-quality PE experiences and school sport opportunities. In swimming, pupils swim competently, confidently, and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres using a range of strokes and apply essential self-rescue skills in different water-based situations. Staff are highly knowledgeable and skilled across a range of PE disciplines and share expertise effectively with colleagues and pupils. Specialist teaching in areas such as swimming, athletics, cycling, football, rugby, outdoor adventurous activities, and netball enhances both curriculum PE and extracurricular provision, ensuring consistently high-quality delivery. Senior leaders and governors have a clear and shared understanding of the rationale and aims of the PE curriculum. The PE lead provides regular, well-structured updates on curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and pupil achievement, ensuring strong communication, accountability, and a shared vision across the school.