PE
Physical Education at Ashton Hayes Primary School
Vision for Physical Education
At Ashton Hayes Primary School, we believe that physical education is about far more than learning sporting skills. It is about developing confident, resilient and healthy young people who enjoy being active, embrace challenge and understand the importance of looking after both their physical and mental wellbeing.
As a small rural primary school in the heart of Cheshire, we are fortunate to benefit from extensive outdoor spaces and a rich natural environment. Our curriculum makes full use of these unique surroundings, including our school grounds and Forest School, enabling children to develop physical confidence through a wide range of activities in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Physical Education plays a central role in our vision of helping every child to 'Aspire to be Amazing'. We believe that success looks different for every child. Whether learning to throw and catch, performing in gymnastics, competing in sport or completing the Daily Mile, we encourage every pupil to challenge themselves, persevere when things become difficult and celebrate their own progress.
Our curriculum promotes healthy lifestyles and helps children understand the importance of regular physical activity throughout life. Through a carefully planned programme of PE, active playtimes, the Daily Mile, Forest School and a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, pupils develop positive habits that support both their physical and emotional wellbeing.
As many of our pupils grow up within a relatively small rural community, we also recognise the importance of broadening their experiences. We provide opportunities for pupils to participate in a wide variety of sports, festivals and competitions through the Frodsham and Villages School Partnership, enabling them to experience new activities, develop teamwork and represent their school with pride.
We aim for all pupils to:
- develop competence and confidence across a broad range of physical activities
- master fundamental movement skills that provide the foundations for lifelong participation in physical activity
- become resilient learners who understand that practice, perseverance and determination lead to improvement
- understand the importance of physical activity in maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing
- demonstrate teamwork, leadership, fairness and respect for others
- enjoy participating in competitive sport while recognising the importance of personal improvement as well as achievement
- develop the confidence, motivation and knowledge to lead healthy, active lives beyond primary school.
Implementation
Physical Education at Ashton Hayes Primary School is taught through a carefully planned and progressive curriculum using the Get Set 4 PE scheme. This provides full coverage of the National Curriculum while ensuring that pupils build knowledge, skills and understanding systematically from EYFS through to Year 6.
The curriculum develops pupils' competence across a broad range of physical activities including fundamental movement, gymnastics, dance, games, athletics and outdoor and adventurous activities. Skills are revisited and developed over time, enabling pupils to become increasingly confident, competent and independent performers.
Whilst Get Set 4 PE provides the framework for teaching, lessons are adapted to meet the needs of pupils at Ashton Hayes Primary School. Teachers use ongoing assessment to provide appropriate support and challenge so that every child, including those with SEND, can access the curriculum, experience success and make strong progress.
Our extensive outdoor environment is an integral part of our curriculum. Forest School sessions, outdoor learning opportunities and our spacious school grounds provide meaningful contexts for developing physical skills, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving through adventurous activities.
Promoting active lifestyles extends beyond PE lessons. Daily Mile sessions, active playtimes and a wide range of extra-curricular clubs encourage pupils to be active every day and develop lifelong healthy habits.
Competitive sport is an important aspect of school life. Through our involvement in the Frodsham and Villages School Partnership, pupils participate in festivals, competitions and sporting events throughout the year. We believe that competition provides valuable opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship, while ensuring that participation and enjoyment remain central to our approach.
Throughout the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own performance, set personal goals and recognise that improvement comes through effort, practice and determination.
Impact
Through the Physical Education curriculum at Ashton Hayes Primary School, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy healthy, active lives.
Pupils leave our school with secure fundamental movement skills and the ability to apply these across a broad range of physical activities and sports. They understand how to evaluate and improve their own performance, work collaboratively with others and demonstrate resilience when faced with challenge.
Our curriculum develops pupils who value physical activity as an important part of everyday life. They understand the benefits of exercise for their physical health, mental wellbeing and overall quality of life, and they are equipped to make informed choices about maintaining healthy lifestyles as they grow older.
Through Forest School, outdoor learning, active playtimes and participation in competitive sport, pupils develop confidence, independence and a willingness to try new experiences. They understand that success is achieved through effort, perseverance and a positive attitude, and they celebrate both individual improvement and the achievements of others.
Ultimately, pupils leave Ashton Hayes Primary School as physically literate, confident and enthusiastic young people who embody our school vision to 'Aspire to be Amazing'. They are well prepared to continue participating in sport and physical activity throughout secondary school and beyond, with the motivation and confidence to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives.