Physical Education at Robert Bakewell
Physical Education at Robert Bakewell Primary School
At Robert Bakewell, we believe that Physical Education inspires children to lead active, healthy and confident lives. Through a broad and balanced curriculum, we develop children's physical competence, teamwork and resilience while promoting the lifelong benefits of regular physical activity for both physical and mental wellbeing.
Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and is delivered through a carefully planned two-year rolling programme. Lessons build progressively on children's knowledge, skills and understanding, enabling every pupil to develop confidence across a wide range of sports and physical activities.
Developing Active Learners
Children experience a variety of activities, including:
Invasion games
Net and wall games
Striking and fielding
Athletics
Dance
Gymnastics
Outdoor and Adventurous Activities
Swimming
Throughout every unit, pupils develop fundamental movement skills, tactical awareness and the confidence to work independently and collaboratively. We encourage all children to challenge themselves, become resilient learners and understand how an active lifestyle supports lifelong health and wellbeing.
Our 5 Rs are embedded throughout the PE curriculum, with each unit focusing on one of the following learning behaviours:
Resilient - How can I show resilience?
Respectful - How can I be a respectful teammate?
· Reflective - What are you going to improve on?
Resourceful - How can I be resourceful to help my team?
Responsible - How am I going to become better at sports?
Inspiring - Why are these athletes inspiring?
These qualities help children develop positive attitudes towards learning, teamwork and competition while promoting respect, perseverance and fair play.
Our PE Lessons
Children receive two hours of Physical Education each week.
One weekly lesson focuses on health and fitness, where pupils develop strength, stamina and overall fitness through a range of age-appropriate activities and fitness equipment. Alongside improving physical fitness, children learn the importance of exercise and healthy lifestyles.
The second weekly lesson focuses on the current PE unit, where children develop and apply sport-specific skills, tactics and teamwork through high-quality teaching and practical activities.
Children are also encouraged to be active throughout the school day by taking part in our Daily Mile course around the school playground, promoting regular exercise, improved wellbeing and positive mental health.
Swimming
We are fortunate to have a temporary swimming pool on site each year, located on our school playground. This allows children in Years 4 and 5 to take part in intensive swimming courses without the need to travel, maximising learning time and ensuring all pupils receive high-quality swimming instruction.
Swimming lessons develop children's confidence and competence in the water while teaching essential water safety skills. Our aim is for every child to leave primary school able to swim confidently and safely, meeting or exceeding the expectations of the National Curriculum.
Enrichment Opportunities
We believe every child should have the opportunity to enjoy sport beyond PE lessons. Children from Years 1 to 6 are encouraged to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular clubs, helping them develop a lifelong love of sport, recreation and physical activity.
As part of our Charnwood School Sport Partnership Bronze Package, pupils enjoy a wide range of sporting opportunities throughout the year. They regularly represent Robert Bakewell in festivals and competitions against other local schools, taking part in activities such as multi-skills, football, hockey, boccia and orienteering. These experiences develop confidence, teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship while encouraging children to challenge themselves and celebrate both individual and team success.
Children also have opportunities to become Sports Ambassadors, developing leadership skills while promoting physical activity across the school.
Throughout the year, specialist coaches enhance our curriculum through workshops delivered by organisations including Leicestershire Cricket Club and UV Dodgeball. Each summer, pupils are inspired by visits from Paralympians, who lead practical sessions based on their sport and encourage children to pursue their ambitions through determination and perseverance.
Sporting events are a highlight of the school year. Our annual Sports Day is a celebration of participation, teamwork and personal achievement, with every child representing their house in a range of events. Pupils also enjoy taking part in our annual Colour Run, promoting physical activity, wellbeing, community spirit and fun.
A wide range of after-school clubs provides further opportunities for children to stay active, including football with Mr Armeni, cricket coaching and UV Dodgeball.
We are proud to offer the Generation Charnwood after-school club for pupils in Years 5 and 6. Delivered free of charge, this five-week programme introduces children to a range of multi-sport activities, helping them develop teamwork, fitness, resilience and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. The club encourages pupils to try new sports, build friendships and develop positive habits that promote lifelong participation in physical activity.
Physical Education in the Early Years
In the Early Years, children develop their fundamental movement skills through play, exploration and structured physical activities. They learn to balance, run, jump, throw, catch and work cooperatively with others, laying the foundations for future success in Physical Education while developing confidence, coordination and a love of being active.
Supporting Every Learner
PE lessons are carefully adapted to ensure all pupils can participate fully and achieve success. Teachers use modelling, differentiated activities, adapted equipment and appropriate support so that every child can develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment of physical activity.
Our aim is for every child to leave Robert Bakewell Primary School with the skills, confidence and motivation to lead an active, healthy lifestyle and to continue enjoying sport and physical activity throughout their lives.