Physical Education
At The Hayes Primary School, Physical Education plays a vital role in developing happy, healthy and confident learners who are equipped for life beyond the classroom. Our PE curriculum is designed to inspire a lifelong love of physical activity, promote positive physical and mental wellbeing, and develop the personal qualities needed to succeed both individually and as part of a team. Through a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum, we ensure all children have the opportunity to develop fundamental movement skills, experience challenge and success, and understand the importance of leading an active and healthy lifestyle. PE at The Hayes supports our whole-school vision of “being the best you can be” by encouraging resilience, perseverance, teamwork and self-belief.
Intent
Our intent is to develop a love of sport and physical activity in all children and inspire them to become lifelong active participants beyond Key Stage 2. We aim for all children to develop and refine the fundamental skills needed to access a wide range of physical activities, including invasion games, gymnastics, dance, athletics and swimming.
Children are taught to understand the importance of healthy competition, whether striving to achieve personal bests or competing respectfully against others. Our PE curriculum promotes physical health, emotional wellbeing and positive mental health, while also supporting academic achievement, concentration and social interaction.
Our curriculum is broad, balanced, diverse and inclusive, ensuring that all children, regardless of ability or background, feel confident, motivated and successful. Through PE, we develop resilient, confident learners who can work both independently and collaboratively, embodying the values of teamwork, respect and determination.
Implementation
Physical Education is a priority at The Hayes Primary School. All children receive more than the Government-recommended amount of PE each week, alongside a wide range of sporting events, competitions and enrichment opportunities. We are fortunate to have an on-site indoor swimming pool, enabling all children from Reception to Year 6 to access fortnightly swimming lessons, taught by professional instructors. One PE session each week is delivered by a trained sports coach to further enhance quality and consistency.
We follow the Get Set 4 PE scheme to ensure progression, high-quality teaching and full coverage of the National Curriculum.
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS):
Physical development is a Prime Area of Learning and underpins the development in all other areas. Children access both indoor and outdoor provision to develop skills such as balance, coordination, climbing, jumping, throwing, catching and moving in different ways. They receive two hours of discrete PE weekly teaching which focuses on developing a particular skill using a varied range of equipment including parachutes, benches, balls, mats and climbing apparatus. Our EYFS children also engage in additional regular movement opportunities such as yoga, dough disco and active storytelling. Children begin to explore what it means to be ‘healthy’ and recognise how physical activity affects their bodies. - Key Stage 1:
Children participate in two one-hour PE sessions each week, covering invasion games, gymnastics and dance. Children build on the fundamental skills taught in EYFS and aim to master basic skill movements such as running, throwing, jumping and catching as well as beginning to develop balance, agility and coordination. Children are introduced to simple tactics, individual and team games, and healthy competition. Learning about healthy lifestyles is reinforced through Science and daily movement breaks, including the daily mile where possible. - Key Stage 2:
Children continue to receive two one-hour PE sessions weekly, engaging in a wide range of sports including invasion games, dance, gymnastics, athletics and outdoor adventurous activities. They apply and combine skills, evaluate performance, and learn how to improve themselves and others. Competitive opportunities increase across the Key Stage, helping children develop perseverance, resilience and sportsmanship. Participation in intra- and inter-school competitions promotes teamwork, inclusivity and a strong sense of community.
Impact
By the time children leave The Hayes, they have developed a genuine enjoyment of physical activity and the confidence to participate in sport both in and out of school. Children understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and are able to articulate how physical activity contributes to physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
Our PE curriculum equips children with essential life skills, including teamwork, leadership, resilience, independence and self-motivation. They leave prepared to pursue physical activity for enjoyment, personal challenge or competition, carrying forward the values and aspirations developed throughout their school journey and beyond into adulthood.
Our class teachers, sports coaches supported by the subject leader ensure the curriculum is well planned, monitored and continually improved through lesson observations, pupil voice and staff support. Through high-quality, inclusive PE provision, we aim for all children to succeed, feel valued and confident, and truly live out our school vision of “being the best you can be.”How PE is taught throughout the school (Curriculum Mapping)
Policy Documents
Progression of Skills through fundamentals, fitness and athletics
Progression of skills and knowledge: gymnastics
Vocabulary Pyramid Invasion Games
The Hayes Infograph: impact of Croydon Sports Partnership
Games and PE are Alive!
See our Gallery for more impact of our Sports Curriculum.