Physical Education
At Graven Hill Primary and Preschool, we believe that a high‑quality Physical Education curriculum plays a vital role in supporting children’s physical health, mental wellbeing and personal development. PE provides opportunities for children to be active, develop confidence and resilience, and build positive attitudes towards health and fitness that can last a lifetime.
Our PE curriculum is designed to inspire enjoyment in physical activity while helping children to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to participate confidently in a wide range of sports and physical pursuits. Through PE, children learn about teamwork, perseverance, fairness and self‑belief, supporting both their character development and overall wellbeing.
Our PE Curriculum
The core of our PE curriculum is built around physical competence, enjoyment and personal growth. Children are taught to:
- Develop fundamental movement skills
- Improve agility, balance, coordination and control
- Apply skills in a range of individual and team activities
- Understand the importance of regular physical activity for health and wellbeing
Learning is carefully sequenced so that skills are revisited and built upon over time, ensuring that all children are appropriately challenged and supported to make progress.
All pupils take part in a minimum of two hours of high‑quality PE and sporting activity each week, ensuring regular opportunities to be active and engaged.
Physical Health, Mental Wellbeing and Resilience
Physical Education makes a significant contribution to children’s physical health, supporting fitness, strength and coordination. Equally important is its role in promoting mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Through physical activity, children learn to:
- Manage emotions and cope with challenge
- Build confidence and self‑esteem
- Develop resilience and determination
- Experience success through effort and perseverance
PE lessons provide a positive environment where children are encouraged to try new things, learn from mistakes and develop a growth mindset.
A Broad and Balanced Sporting Offer
Our PE curriculum provides a wide range of experiences to ensure a well‑rounded education. Pupils take part in:
- Games and team sports
- Gymnastics and dance, promoting creativity and expression
- Athletics and swimming
- Outdoor and adventurous activities
Both co‑operative and competitive activities are valued, helping children to develop teamwork, communication and respect for others, while also learning how to win and lose with integrity.
Competition, Community and Enrichment
Children are given opportunities, via our membership of the North Oxfordshire Schools Sport Partnership, to apply their skills in a variety of competitive and collaborative contexts. These include intra‑school activities, festivals and competitions with other schools, helping pupils to build confidence and represent their school with pride.
PE is further enriched through a range of after‑school clubs and activities, such as football, athletics, ballroom dancing and martial arts. These opportunities encourage children to pursue interests, develop new skills and foster a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.
Outdoor and Adventurous Learning
As part of our commitment to personal development, pupils in Year 6 take part in a residential visit to an activity centre, where they experience a range of outdoor and adventurous pursuits. Activities such as climbing, kayaking, cycling, orienteering and archery challenge pupils both physically and mentally.
Pupils in Year 4 also take part in a shorter, two-night, three day residential trip to a centre closer to home where they will experience a taster of some of the activities named about.
These experiences are highly valued for the contribution they make to children’s independence, confidence, teamwork and resilience, helping them to step outside their comfort zones and develop self‑belief.
Preparing Children for the Future
Our PE curriculum ensures that children leave Graven Hill with:
- Confidence and competence in a range of physical activities
- An understanding of the importance of physical and mental health
- Resilience, determination and perseverance
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- A positive attitude towards lifelong participation in sport and exercise
By combining physical development, wellbeing and character education, our PE curriculum supports children to grow into healthy, confident and resilient individuals — ready to embrace challenge, work with others and lead active lives beyond school.