Diamond Hall Infant Academy

At Diamond Hall Infant Academy we believe that Physical Education (PE) enables children to develop fundamental movement skills which can be applied throughout all areas of their life.  Following the National Curriculum for PE, we believe children should develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities, be physically active for sustained periods of time, have opportunities to engage in competitive sports and activities and ultimately, lead healthy, active lives, whilst understanding why this is so important.  The skills they learn should be applied confidently to all curriculum areas. 

The PE taught at Diamond Hall Infant Academy aims to ensure that all children:

•   Take part in PE sessions both indoors and outdoors, from Nursery to KS1.
•   Are given opportunities to focus on and build upon fundamental movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility, coordination and an awareness of space.
•   Are encouraged to participate in team games and develop simple tactics for being an effective team member.   
•   Have opportunities to participate in community events through Sunderland School Games sports-based competitions.
•   Are able to take part in a wide range of after-school competitive activities.
•   Are equipped with the skills and knowledge to apply a healthy lifestyle.

Across school, GetSet4PE planning is followed, ensuring a clear progression of skills and appropriate level of challenge for all children, with specific assessment criteria and next steps clearly identified.  The addition of appropriate music and visual prompts ensure consistency of delivery amongst all staff.

EYFS:

In line with the The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and current best practice, the children in Foundation Stage work on two main elements: developing gross motor control and developing fine motor control.  Physical development is a prime area in the EYFS Development Matters and opportunities to promote these skills are considered through all areas of provision in Nursery and Reception.

•         continue to develop their movement, balancing, riding (scooters, trikes and bikes) and ball skills
•         go up steps and stairs, or climb up apparatus, using alternate feet
•         skip, hop, stand on one leg and hold a pose for a game like musical statues
•         use large-muscle movements to wave flags and streamers, paint and make marks

KS1:

Children in Key Stage 1 will continue to develop their basic fundamental movement skills, becoming increasingly competent and confident whilst accessing a range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance and coordination both individually and in groups.  They will engage in competitive and cooperative physical activities in a range of situations. 

 Implementation

At Diamond Hall Infant Academy PE is taught as an area of learning in its own right as well as integrated where possible with other areas of learning, particularly in the Foundation Stage.

In Nursery (2s and 3s), children have numerous opportunities to develop their balance, coordination and control through the provision in their environment.  Opportunities to develop gross motor skills through Write Dance sessions are provided weekly, as well as activities to develop fine motor control and weekly Dough Disco sessions for all children weekly.

In Reception, children participate in weekly directed PE sessions.  One sessions is led by an external sports coach and one by their class teacher.  Opportunities to promote gross and fine motor development are also provided throughout the Reception environment as part of independent learning provision.

In Year 1, children have two PE sessions per week, which includes swimming from Spring 2 onwards (1 half term per class).  Sessions are planned in half termly blocks including a unit on gymnastics, dance and ball skills. 

In Year 2, children have two PE sessions per week.  Sessions are planned in half termly blocks and enable children to build on skills previously taught in gymnastics, dance, games and athletics.

PE is delivered using GetSet4PE curriculum planning.  All children are taught to develop their fundamental movement skills through games, dance, gymnastics and athletics.  The online curriculum map is clear and enables accurate progression of skills for all children.  Assessment criteria has been developed using GetSet4PE to assess key learning milestones, which enables staff to quickly identify children’s current level of skill and use this knowledge to aid progression.  Children in KS1 participate in an annual gymnastics competition as well as any other age appropriate competitions or events which are available through the School Games Organisers annual calendar.  Children across KS1 are given the opportunity to access a range of after-school clubs to further develop their fundamental movement skills as well as increasing levels of physical activity.

 Impact

PE at Diamond Hall Infant Academy is taught as a basis for lifelong learning, where the children have access to a wide range of activities in the belief that this will encourage them to continue a physically active life beyond our school and into adulthood.

By the end of Key Stage One most children will:

• Develop fundamental movement skills, becoming increasingly competent and confident and access a broad range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance and coordination, individually and with others.
• Be able to engage in competitive (both against self and against others) and co-operative physical activities, in a range of increasingly challenging situations.
• Master basic movements: running, jumping, throwing and catching.
• Develop balance, agility and co-ordination, and begin to apply these in a range of activities.
• Participate in team games, developing simple tactics for attacking and defending.
• Perform sequences of dance and gymnastics using simple movement patterns.