Purpose of Study

A high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities. It should provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect.

Aims

The national curriculum for physical education aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities 
• are physically active for sustained periods of time 
• engage in competitive sports and activities 
• lead healthy, active lives

Key Stage 1

Pupils should be taught to: 

• master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing 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 dances using simple movement patterns.
  
  

Key Stage 2

Pupils should be taught to: 

• use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination 
• play competitive games, modified where appropriate [for example, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rounders and tennis], and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending 
• develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance [for example, through athletics and gymnastics] 
• perform dances using a range of movement patterns 
• take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team 
• compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best.



School Games Award