Physical Education

Pupils in year 1 will copy and repeat actions, putting a sequence of actions together to create a motif and varying speed throughout actions. This knowledge has been built upon in year 2 where pupils will continue to build upon previous knowledge and learning by creating a short motif inspired by a stimulus, using simple choreographic devices such as unison, canon and mirroring and in time to music.

In lower KS2 pupils will use the previous knowledge from year 1 and 2 to explore in more depth and compose, confidently improvise with a partner and demonstrate precision and some control in their sequence with dynamics. This knowledge is then used and built upon in more depth in upper KS2. Throughout these units pupils draw a better understanding of movements within a dance style and when composing they do so with dramatic style.

When studying gymnastics pupils in year 1 will create a perform a movement sequence copying two link actions, travel in different ways, changing direction, holding shapes with simple balances and jumps. This will incorporate pre-requisite knowledge from the dance unit. This knowledge is then built on in year 2, where children explore the requirements needed to climb onto and jump off equipment safely. Pupils will continue to build on previous knowledge and learning by moving in different ways, incorporating rolls and holding a shape whilst balancing on different parts of the body. During this learning pupils will explore the requirements for increasing control and balance.

In lower KS2 the pupils will explore the importance of strength and flexibility for physical activity such as within their balances. During this learning the children will continue to independently compose their own complex movement patterns and develop precision into their movements. This knowledge is then built upon in upper KS2 in more depth to develop quality of their actions such as shapes, balances and confidence to use equipment to vault and incorporate into a movement sequence. Throughout these units pupils draw a better understanding of how to explain safety principles when preparing for and during exercise and create their own complex sequences involving a full range of actions and apply skills and techniques consistently showing precision and control.

In KS1 pupils will have a chance to master basic movements, including running and begin to use equipment with co-ordination and control. In year 1 they will practice rolling, throwing, catching, kicking and hitting skills, developing good hand-eye co-ordination. These skills will be built on in year 2 to become more accurate and complex. The basic movements will be developed by using different speeds and directions, helping to ensure a good sense of spatial awareness is developed alongside these skills.

When studying games, pupils bring together knowledge and understanding from the units within dance, gymnastics and multi-skills. Striking and hitting, throwing and catching, travelling with a ball, passing with a ball, possession, using space, attacking and defending tactics and rules are built upon further in this unit. Pupils in year 1 will primarily focus on using the hitting skills in a game, practising basic striking, sending and receiving. Pupils will continue to learn how to throw a ball overarm and underarm, to catch, bounce and roll a ball. Pupils will learn how to travel in different directions, using prerequisite knowledge from the dance and gymnastic units and build on this to travel side to side with a ball and incorporate speed. Pupils will begin to use the term ‘attack and defend’ and use skills such as dodging to get past a defender and marking a player to defend. Pupils will learn simple rules to play games including team games. This knowledge is built upon in year 2 where pupils strike a ball with increasing control and learn new skills for playing striking and fielding games. Pupils will continue to build on previous knowledge and learning by throwing, catching and bouncing a ball with a partner. Pupils will develop hand-eye co-ordination and learn to dribble and pass the ball in different ways. Pupils will develop speed, following different pathways and courses.

In lower KS2, pupils will build on previous knowledge from year 1 and 2 to explore in more depth successful striking and hitting skills. Pupils will learn a range of skills in striking and fielding and develop knowledge skills for correct batting. Pupils will learn to demonstrate how to throw and catch with greater control and accuracy and practice the correct technique for catching a ball in a game. They will learn how to throw a ball in different ways and how to move with a ball in a game with some control. Newly acquired knowledge will be learnt in terms of possession, to know how to win back and keep possession of the ball in a game. Pupils will learn how to identify a space and get into it as part of a team using fielding skills to stop balls passing them. Pupils will understand and begin to apply the basic principles for invasion games and incorporate fairness.

This is then built on in more depth in upper KS2. Throughout these further units, pupils will gain a better understanding of striking and hitting, develop confidence in using a ball whilst travelling with speed and change in direction. They will learn how to choose and make the best pass within a game, to keep possession of the ball effectively and demonstrate a good awareness of space. Pupils will continue to learn and demonstrate how to think ahead and plan an attack or defence and work as part of a team to develop fielding strategies. Pupils will learn more complex rules in team games and communicate effectively to lead others.

When studying outdoor adventurous activities, pupils will continue to build on prior knowledge and skills from the previous units for health and fitness and mathematics units of problem solving and geography units of their local environment, map reading and direction skills. Pupils will learn how to orientate trails, problem solve, learn how to prepare and organise and communicate effectively. In year 3 pupils will learn and demonstrate how to orientate with increasing accuracy around a short trail, using effective communication within their team. Pupils will learn symbols on a map. In year 4 pupils will learn and build upon previous learning by recognising features in their environment and how to identify these on a map. They will learn how to follow a more complex trail. Pupils will learn to take on different roles within a team and communicate effectively. This knowledge is then built upon in upper KS2. Pupils will orientate with confidence and accuracy using a compass. They will design their own orienteering trail which challenges others. Pupils will demonstrate leadership skills and use a range of map skills to make an informed decision about the most effective route.

When studying athletics pupils bring together knowledge and understanding from units within gymnastics, dance and games such as the prerequisite learning on health and fitness, acquiring and developing skills of throwing and catching, to compete and perform to evaluate. These knowledge and skills are then built upon with jumping, running and throwing. These skills will be utilised in sports day. Pupils in year 1 will focus primarily on varying their pace and speed when running and maintain control when they change direction. Pupils will learn how to jump and land correctly and improve their underarm throwing technique. In year 2 pupils will begin to select the most suitable pace and technique when running in different situations. Jumping for distance with accuracy and control will be built upon. Throwing skills will be developed by developing precision with the overarm throw.

In KS2 pupils will use previous knowledge from both year 1 and 2 to explore more in-depth the knowledge and skills needed for running, jumping and throwing. Pupils will learn to perfect their running start stance and choose the appropriate one for the different types of run. They will learn a hurdling technique and also how to perform a baton change over in a relay race. The pupils will learn how to combine jumps with a hop and a step and how to land safely. Pupils in KS2 will continue to develop more complex ways of throwing and investigate which equipment is most suitable for each type of throw. These skills will then be performed in competitive events, where pupils will learn to compete against others and also themselves, in trying to beat the personal best.