At Newlands, we believe that Physical Education helps children develop physical competence, confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong enjoyment of being active. Our curriculum is designed so every child, regardless of starting point, can experience success, improve their skills, and understand the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. Our curriculum is sequenced from Early Years to Year 6 so that skills build progressively. In EYFS, fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, balancing, and coordination are taught while learning through play, exploration, and simple games. This develops the child’s confidence, spatial awareness, and safe movement. In KS1, we develop the mastery of basic movements: agility, balance, coordination and introduce simple team games and rules as well as basic dance and movement patterns. This key  stage is also when we introduce the children to the key skills of throwing, catching, rolling, striking, and kicking. Then in  KS2, children apply these skills in a wider range of sports and competitive activities, including football, netball, hockey, cricket, tennis and tag rugby. The focus in dance and gymnastics is on performing with increasing control and precision. In year 5 the children have the opportunity to learn to swim and are taught water safety. Throughout this key stage, the understanding of tactics, teamwork and healthy lifestyles is built upon year-on-year.

How we deliver our curriculum

Our approach blends high‑quality teaching, structured progression, and broad opportunities.

Children receive 2 hours of PE lessons per week which follow a clear progression of skills mapped across the year. PE is taught by a combination of class teachers and trained sports coaches with staff receiving ongoing CPD to ensure high-quality instruction. There are also wider opportunities, such as after-school sports clubs, interschool competitions and festivals and our annual whole‑school sports day. Links with local sports clubs also encourage participation beyond school, while there is provision for movement breaks and active learning within the school day.

How we support everyone to learn

Ensuring every child can participate fully is central to our approach. We utilise inclusive teaching strategies such as the differentiation of tasks that allow children to work at their own level, adapted equipment (e.g., larger balls, lighter bats, visual markers), flexible groupings so children can learn with peers who support their progress and clear modelling and step‑by‑step skill breakdowns. Support for less confident children is provided by an emphasis on personal bests rather than competition and positive reinforcement to build self-esteem and resilience. The school also regularly attends events such as the Hampshire Schools Games Festival of Sport, which are aimed at those less likely to engage in sport of physical activities. High-attaining children are given opportunities to represent the school in competitions and leadership roles within lessons, such as peer mentors and officiating during activities. Our SEND children are supported by individual adjustments based on need (physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional), pre‑teaching of skills or vocabulary where helpful, and additional adult support during lessons.