Physical Education
Physical Education at Ickworth Park
At Ickworth Park Primary School, our PE curriculum is designed to be ambitious, engaging and accessible for all pupils, building progressively on knowledge and skills from the Early Years to Year 6.
Our Intent
At Ickworth Park Primary School, our PE curriculum is designed to:
- Develop pupils’ ability to move with control, coordination and increasing confidence across a range of physical activities and sports.
- Build knowledge of fundamental movement skills, tactics, rules, and the importance of health and fitness.
- Foster resilience, teamwork and fair play, alongside a positive attitude towards challenge, personal improvement and both mental and physical wellbeing.
Our Approach
We use Get Set 4 PE as a foundation for our curriculum. Our PE curriculum is carefully adapting to suit the needs of all pupils.
Learning focuses on:
- Physical skills
Developing fundamental movement skills and sport-specific techniques such as running, jumping, throwing, balancing, coordination and control.
- Social skills
Teamwork, communication, cooperation, leadership, respect, understanding rules, tactics, and fair play.
- Thinking skills
Decision making, problem solving, evaluating performance, understanding tactics and applying knowledge to improve performance.
Progression
Learning in PE begins in the Early Years, where children develop their physical skills through active play and exploration. They build strength, balance, coordination and spatial awareness through activities such as running, jumping, climbing and using small equipment. Pupils also learn to work alongside others, follow simple instructions and develop confidence in moving their bodies in different ways.
As pupils move through the school:
- In Key Stage 1, pupils begin to: develop basic movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, balancing and coordination. They take part in simple games, dance and gymnastics activities, learning to follow rules, work with others and build confidence in physical activity.
- In Key Stage 2, pupils: build on these foundations by developing more control, technique and understanding across a wider range of sports and activities. They learn to apply skills in competitive and cooperative situations, use tactics and begin to evaluate and improve their own and others’ performance.
By Year 6, pupils are able to: show confidence, competence and be physically literate. They can use a range of skills effectively in games, dance, gymnastics and athletics, understand how to work as part of a team, apply tactics and rules, and recognise the importance of regular physical activity for health and wellbeing.
Inclusion
All pupils are supported to access the PE curriculum. The curriculum is built around progressive skill development, where fundamental movement skills are taught first and then gradually built into more complex sport-specific activities. This allows pupils to enter learning at an appropriate level and make steady progress over time.
We promote adaptive teaching and inclusive resources, encouraging teachers to modify equipment, space, rules and outcomes so that every child can participate meaningfully. For example, changing ball size, distance or team roles can make activities more accessible. We ensure all pupils can participate fully alongside their peers.
In addition, the curriculum emphasises personal success over competition, focusing on individual progress, effort, and improvement rather than ability alone. This helps build confidence and ensures that all pupils feel valued in PE.
Overall, it is designed so that every child can take part, develop physical competence, and enjoy being active.
What Makes PE Special at Ickworth Park
At Ickworth Park, we enhance our PE curriculum through a range of exciting opportunities that allow pupils to apply their skills beyond the classroom and experience the wider world of sport and physical activity. These include:
- An inclusive Sports Day where every child is encouraged to participate, achieve their personal best and celebrate successes individually and as part of a house team.
- Opportunities to take part in sporting competitions and festivals, particularly for pupils in Years 5 and 6, providing valuable reallife experiences of teamwork, determination and sportsmanship.
- A variety of enrichment activities and workshops, including visits from specialist coaches and dance groups that celebrate different cultures and traditions.
- Practical lifeskills learning, such as first aid training, helping pupils develop confidence, responsibility and essential skills for everyday life.
Impact
Our PE curriculum equips pupils with the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead active and healthy lifestyles both now and in the future. Through a wide range of sporting opportunities, competitions and enrichment experiences, children develop resilience, determination and a strong sense of teamwork. They learn to challenge themselves, celebrate success and show respect for others, whether participating in lessons, representing the school, or taking part in wider community events.
By experiencing a variety of sports, physical activities and cultural opportunities, pupils gain a greater understanding of the importance of physical wellbeing and the positive impact exercise can have on both physical and mental health. These experiences help to build self-esteem, foster independence and encourage children to embrace new challenges with confidence.
At Ickworth Park, we are committed to providing a high-quality PE education that inspires every child to achieve their personal best. We aim to nurture enthusiastic, confident and resilient learners who value physical activity and leave our school with the skills, attitude and motivation to enjoy healthy, active and fulfilling lives.
They leave Ickworth Park as enthusiastic, confident and resilient learners who value physical activity and possess the skills, attitudes and motivation to enjoy healthy, active and fulfilling lives.