Physical Education (PE)

Intent

PE at St. Joseph’s is rooted in the Catholic Schools Pupil Profile and the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. This is present throughout the teaching and participation of PE. Participating in sports can lead to the personal growth of our students. When engaged in the challenges of their sport they experience enjoyment, and begin to appreciate its intrinsic rewards. In team sports students experience unity with others as they set aside ego and learn how to work together in pursuit of a common goal. For instance, values such as showing compassion can be seen whilst working together as a team, and being learned and wise can be applied to resolve problems, apply tactics, show resilience and improve performance.

There is also value experienced by those who join together to watch others play sport. At the most basic level, students, parents and staff attend games and watch our students play because they enjoy it, because it is fun. Also, at the moment few other activities bring together the various parts of our community the way sporting contests do. In other words, they are opportunities for members of the St Joseph’s family to experience community.

Physical Wellbeing

We place a high emphasis on physical wellbeing, with numerous opportunities for all children to be active throughout each day.

There is a range of equipment available to use at play times and lunch times, which includes fitness trails, climbing equipment and a climbing wall as well as ball and field games which are hosted by our coach and lunchtime supervisors.

We offer a number of extra-curricular sports clubs, with something available to every year group. This is an important part of both physical and mental wellbeing.

Finally, PE lessons enable children to become more physically literate and enjoy various aspects of PE. Each year group takes part in a Keeping Healthy Unit which focuses on improving fitness and understanding how our body works. These are taught in September. Following the summer holidays, many children are coming back to less fit than before. Mindfulness and wellbeing is also an area developed and nurtured then.

Curriculum Overview

What our Children Say…

“It helps me to get fit and stronger.” – Year 3 child

“It gets my blood pumping and gives me a positive mental attitude.” – Year 5 child

“You get to move around and enjoy lots of sports.” – Year 4 child

Deepening Opportunities

We have a wide range of after school clubs to cater for everyone’s tastes! We have the Gold Mark for sport and compete in many sporting competitions both in the MAC and in the local area. Coaches and staff have sign posted gifted children to enable them to further develop their skills in particular sports beyond the school.