Our PE curriculum aims to physically challenge children and to give them a range of positive experiences which promote a love of fitness and good health. We aim to give children the knowledge and skills required to make positive impact on their physical health and mental well-being. At Ridgeway, we believe PE can teach children to cope with success and disappointment through engaging in competitive sports, which is why we participate in inter and intra school competitions and festivals.

Our PE curriculum aims to ensure that all children:

• Can competently swim 25m
• Can keep themselves safe in and around water  
• Develop sportsmanship and leadership skills
• Are equipped to make healthy, positive choices in their lives
• Experience a wide range of sports
• Develop a love of fitness and sport

Implementation

Children are taught by a combination of teachers and specialist PE coaching. We currently receive specialist coaching for: gymnastics, football, athletics and dance. As per the government guidance, all children receive 2 hours of engaging, high intensity PE lessons. We teach the National Curriculum and deliver a basic skills programme whereby children are taught fundamental skills that are transferable to every sport. Through our basic skills programme, children are taught spatial awareness, balance, coordination, agility and awareness of their body. This programme is delivered in each year group, ensuring a progression of skills and knowledge.

Children are encouraged to participate in physical activity throughout the school day during active lunchtimes, outdoor provision opportunities and our wide variety of after school clubs. At Ridgeway, we strongly believe that effort is as important as sporting achievements. We also promote and develop leadership qualities in our years 5 and 6 children by delivering a sports leader programme. Here, children have the opportunity to challenge themselves and learn what it takes to be an effective leader. They plan and deliver lunchtime clubs to KS1 children and are also responsible for delivering sports day. We also have an active lunchtime area, children can participate in the following sports each lunchtime: football, dodgeball, volleyball, dance and agility. Children in years 5 and 6 also participate in PE theory lessons during our Summer term. In these lessons, they learn about their bodies and the impact physical exercise has on their body. Children learn about the muscular system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system and the long and short term of effects exercise has on the body.

To develop children's competitive spirit and sportsmanship qualities, all children from years 1-6 participate in at least one festival or competition, hosted by the local authority. Our school football team will also participate in the local league during the 2023-2024 academic year and we will enter KS1 and KS2 children into the dance festival, held at the Customs House. 

EYFS:

Our early years children receive weekly gymnastics coaching to develop motor skills, muscles, balance and coordination.

Years 1-6:

Children participate in the following sports: swimming, gymnastics, football, athletics, dance, tennis, cricket, badminton, netball, dodgeball, hockey and tag rugby.

Impact

• Children leave Ridgeway with an in-depth understanding of physical exercise. They are able to make healthy, informed choices which have a positive impact on their physical health and wellbeing.
• Children are able to engage in physical activity for a sustained period of time, they show enthusiasm when trying new sport and are determined to be the best they can be.
• Children show excellent originality, creativity and imagination when performing sequences of movement in dance.
• Leadership skills have been developed, children can organise and deliver sporting sessions and explain how someone can improve their performance.
• Children can competently swim 25m and can keep themselves safe in and around water.