Intent
At Heathcote, we believe that PE should be fun, inclusive, and inspiring for every child. Our aim is to help children develop a love of sport and physical activity that stays with them for life. Through engaging lessons and a wide range of sports and activities, we help children stay healthy, feel confident, and build a positive attitude towards being active.
PE isn’t just about fitness – it’s about feeling good in yourself. Our lessons support children’s mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and help them focus better in class. We want all our pupils to experience success, enjoy working together, and learn the value of teamwork, determination, and respect.
From their very first PE lessons, children build the basic skills they need – like balance, agility, and coordination. As they grow, they develop these further through different sports, challenges and competitions, helping them become capable, confident and resilient.
We also believe that safety is a key part of physical education. All children learn to swim and develop vital water safety skills. Older pupils also take part in cycling safety training to help them stay safe on the road.
What We Aim to Achieve:
- Every child takes part in at least two hours of high-quality PE lessons each week
- Children develop confidence and competence in a wide range of physical activities
- Pupils are active for sustained periods within lessons
- All pupils are given chances to compete in sports and team events
- We promote healthy, active lifestyles that continue beyond school
- Children are encouraged to join in with clubs and activities both inside and outside school
Implementation
PE at Heathcote is taught from Reception to Year 6, with lessons designed to build skills gradually and progressively. We follow a well-structured programme called GetSet4PE, which ensures children develop their physical abilities, game understanding, and teamworking skills as they move through the school.
- Reception and Key Stage 1 focus on developing basic movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing.
- In Key Stage 2, children apply these skills in a variety of sports. They also learn rules, strategies, and sportsmanship.
- Our curriculum also supports children's social, emotional, and thinking skills, helping them become confident and well-rounded individuals.
PE lessons are delivered by both class teachers and specialist sports coaches, including our partners from Fitt4Kids. In addition, we work with professional organisations like:
- Chance to Shine (cricket)
- Leamington Brakes FC
- Coventry City Sky Blues in the Community
These partnerships give our pupils access to expert coaching and exciting sports experiences.
Competitions and Clubs
All children are part of a House Team, and they enjoy friendly competitions across the school year. We also take part in inter-school events and sports festivals. Pupils have the opportunity to represent Heathcote in competitions such as football, netball, athletics, cricket, archery and rowing.
We offer a wide variety of lunchtime and after-school clubs, giving children even more chances to stay active, try new sports, and have fun with their friends.
Swimming and Road Safety
In Years 3 and 4, all children take part in a block of swimming lessons, with the goal of every child being able to swim 25 metres confidently and safely. We also teach water safety and survival skills.
In Year 6, pupils take part in Bikeability training. This helps them learn how to ride safely on roads, understand traffic hazards, and become more independent.
Impact
By the time children leave Heathcote Primary School, they will:
- Have a solid foundation in key physical skills
- Know how to live a healthy, active lifestyle
- Feel confident to take part in different sports and physical activities
- Understand the value of teamwork, effort, and sportsmanship
- Be able to swim safely and cycle with awareness
We are proud to celebrate our PE achievements through the School Games Mark, recognising our commitment to high-quality sports provision across the school.
School Sports Premium Funding
The Government is providing each primary school throughout England with additional funding which is to be spent on improving the sports provision within schools. At Heathcote Primary School we believe a high quality PE curriculum should be an integral part of the whole school curriculum and one that staff, pupils and parents understand and can contribute to. Our school recognises the values that a high quality PE and school sport curriculum gives pupils.
