Physical Education
Intent
At Hugh Gaitskell Primary School, we believe every child should play an active role in sport and understand its importance in leading a healthy lifestyle. Our aim is for every pupil to leave school physically literate and equipped with the knowledge, skills, and motivation needed for lifelong participation in physical activity and sport.
Physical Education is a key part of our curriculum. Through the Leeds Schools Wellbeing Partnership, our pupils take part in a wide range of sports activities and competitions. We are committed to promoting sporting opportunities and are proud of our increasing success in local competitions—reflecting our dedication to health, fitness, and sporting excellence.
Our PE curriculum is designed to help every child succeed, fostering cooperation, teamwork, and core values such as fairness and respect. We work to instill a genuine enjoyment of physical activity and to support the development of our pupils’ overall well-being—aligned with our whole-school curriculum vision: "I am powerful and I am strong."
Implementation
At Hugh Gaitskell Primary School, our PE provision is thoughtfully planned and delivered to ensure every child can achieve success in physical activity and develop a lifelong love of sport and fitness. Our implementation strategy is grounded in our core values of inclusivity, enjoyment, and excellence.
Curriculum Design and Delivery
- Our PE curriculum follows the National Curriculum and is enhanced by a progressive scheme of work that develops skills over time, from Early Years to Year 6.
- Each year group participates in two hours of high-quality PE each week, taught by class teachers
- A wide variety of sports are covered, including gymnastics, dance, athletics, team games, invasion sports, and outdoor adventurous activities, allowing children to find and develop their interests.
Skill Development and Progression
- Lessons are carefully sequenced to build core physical skills such as agility, balance, coordination, and strength, while also embedding tactical understanding and strategic thinking.
- Children with additional needs are supported through adapted activities and individualised targets.
Competitive Sport and Enrichment
- Our involvement in the Leeds Schools Wellbeing Partnership gives pupils access to regular intra- and inter-school competitions, where they develop teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.
- We hold annual sports days, house competitions, and themed physical activity weeks to broaden participation and excitement.
- Gifted and talented pupils are signposted to external clubs and development opportunities.
Health and Wellbeing Focus
- Every PE lesson includes discussion of healthy lifestyles, linking physical activity to mental and emotional well-being.
- Cross-curricular links with Science and PSHE reinforce knowledge of healthy eating, the human body, and the benefits of exercise.
- Regular active breaks, ‘wake up and shake up’ routines, and access to high-quality playtime equipment keep children active throughout the school day.
Values and Character Education
- We explicitly teach values such as fairness, respect, perseverance, and cooperation through sport.
- Children reflect on these values and link them to our school ethos: “I am powerful and I am strong.”
Pupil voice is regularly gathered to shape the PE experience and ensure all children feel empowered and included.
Impact
The impact of our Physical Education provision is evident in the confidence, enthusiasm, and physical competence of our pupils. Through a broad and inclusive curriculum, children develop the physical literacy, social skills, and emotional resilience necessary for healthy, active lifestyles both now and in the future.
By the time pupils leave Hugh Gaitskell Primary School:
- They are physically literate, demonstrating coordination, control, and an understanding of a wide range of movements and sports.
- They possess a strong understanding of the benefits of physical activity on their physical and mental well-being, and can make informed choices about staying healthy.
- They show positive attitudes toward sport and physical activity, including perseverance, teamwork, and respect for others—both in competition and collaboration.
- They have taken part in a wide range of enrichment opportunities, sporting events, and competitions, which promote pride in achievement and strengthen community connections.
- They are motivated and equipped to continue participating in sport beyond primary school, with the confidence to try new activities and the foundation for lifelong fitness.
We measure impact through:
- Ongoing formative assessment and teacher observation during lessons.
- Pupil self-assessment and reflection on personal progress and values.
- Tracking of participation in extracurricular activities and competitions.
- Pupil voice surveys, which demonstrate high levels of engagement, enjoyment, and aspiration.
Ultimately, our PE curriculum helps shape pupils who are not only physically capable but also resilient, respectful, and ready to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.