P.E
What is our vision for Physical Education (PE)?
At The Growth Learning Collective, our PE curriculum embodies the aims of the National Curriculum. We ensure that all children:
- Develop physical skills and understanding in a variety of sports and physical activities that promote health and fitness.
- Cultivate an appreciation of the importance of a physically active lifestyle and how it positively impacts their well-being.
- Build teamwork, leadership, and perseverance through collaborative and competitive activity.
Across our schools, PE inspires children to engage, express themselves, and appreciate their bodies’ capabilities. We integrate key physical competencies with enjoyment, ensuring each skill builds on prior experiences and abilities. This gives children the confidence to view physical activity as enjoyable and accessible. From Early Years onwards, PE promotes a growth mindset—encouraging curiosity, resilience, and the ability to see setbacks as part of learning. We see PE as vital in preparing children for an active, healthy lifestyle while instilling respect for themselves and others.
We are also committed to providing further enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom. Children regularly take part in Islington-run events and borough-wide competitions, such as athletics, cross-country, football, and netball tournaments. Our schools consistently compete against others in the borough, and recent successes include our girls’ football team winning a local tournament—reflecting our dedication to fostering both participation and achievement.
What do PE lessons look like and how do we plan them?
Our curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced, allowing children to revisit and consolidate key learning before building upon it. For example, in KS1, children develop fundamental movement skills before progressing to more complex team sports in KS2. Units are selected to ensure children leave Year 6 with a broad, well-rounded set of physical skills.
- At Rotherfield, PE lessons are teacher-led, ensuring strong links to classroom learning and whole-child development.
In all settings, lessons are highly active, with an emphasis on learning by doing. Children work in pairs or small groups, evaluate performance, and develop independence in improving their skills. Wherever possible, learning is connected to real-life contexts to make PE meaningful and engaging.
In line with our teaching and learning principles, lessons begin with a recap of prior skills before introducing new concepts in manageable steps. Skills are revisited throughout each unit to embed them into long-term memory and physical coordination.
Celebrating Success
We are proud to have achieved the School Games Mark, which recognises our commitment to high-quality PE provision, inclusive opportunities for all pupils, and active participation in competitive sport. This award reflects our dedication to promoting physical activity, teamwork, and a love of sport across our schools.