Physical Education



Our Vision for Physical Education at St Mary’s
At St Mary’s, we believe that Physical Education (PE), School Sport, and Physical Activity (PESSPA) play a vital role in shaping the overall development of every child. Rooted in our ethos that Every Child Matters, our PE programme ensures that each student, regardless of their ability or background, is given the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to providing a wide range of physical activities that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being, helping students to develop the skills and confidence they need to lead healthy, active lives.
Our Aim
We aim to deliver a comprehensive and high-quality PE programme that inspires and equips students to enjoy and succeed in a wide range of physical activities. Through our well-planned curriculum and school-wide initiatives, we aim to:
- Ensure that every child develops the physical competence needed to thrive in various sports and activities.
- Encourage sustained physical activity, promoting long-term health and well-being.
- Instill values such as fairness, respect, and sportsmanship through competitive and team-based activities.
- Support the holistic development of each child, nurturing their emotional, social, and physical growth while building resilience and confidence.
- Empower students to adopt a lifelong love for physical activity, equipping them with the tools to make healthy choices and engage in active lifestyles beyond school.
How We Implement Our Vision
Here’s how we bring our vision to life:
Curriculum Design:
- Every child receives two high-quality PE lessons per week, covering a diverse range of activities including gymnastics, dance, athletics, games, and outdoor education. See full curriculum map at bottom of page;
- We integrate cross-curricular links in PE lessons to enhance learning in areas like literacy, numeracy, music, and personal development.
Inclusive Participation:
- Our PE curriculum is inclusive, offering all students—regardless of ability—the chance to participate and progress.
- Targeted interventions support students who may need extra guidance in their physical and social development.
- We actively engage students through pupil voice and our Sports Council, encouraging them to contribute their ideas and feedback on activities and events. This ensures that all voices are heard, promoting a sense of ownership and fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels empowered to participate in shaping their physical education experience.
Teacher Development:
- Continuous professional development ensures our staff are confident, skilled, and ready to deliver engaging PE lessons.
School-Wide Initiatives:
- Whole-school sports events like Junior Parkrun encourage physical activity beyond the classroom.
- A range of extracurricular clubs and competitive sports teams offer students additional opportunities to stay active and participate in structured physical activities.
Competitive Opportunities:
- Students have the chance to compete in both intra-school and inter-school competitions, fostering teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Developing Partnerships:
- We collaborate with Chelsea FC, Surrey Cricket, and Parkrun to enhance our sports curriculum, offering students professional coaching, workshops, and sporting events, while promoting active lifestyles and community involvement.
Health and Well-Being: We integrate lessons on healthy lifestyles, helping students understand the importance of regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and mental well-being.
The Impact of Our Programme
The success of our PE programme will be reflected in the improved physical, emotional, and social well-being of our students. Here’s how we measure the impact:
- Increased Physical Competence: Students will show improved skills across various sports, becoming more confident and capable in physical activities.
- Healthier Lifestyles: By engaging in regular physical activity both in and out of school, students will develop lifelong habits that contribute to overall health and fitness.
- Academic and Personal Growth: The skills learned through PE—such as problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork—will enhance academic performance and social development.
- Positive Mental Health: Regular participation in physical activity will boost emotional well-being, helping students manage stress, build self-esteem, and foster a positive mindset.
- Cultural Change: Our whole-school approach to PE will shift attitudes, fostering a greater appreciation for physical activity’s role in overall health and well-being.
- Community Engagement: By participating in school-wide sports events and working with local partners, we aim to promote a lifelong culture of physical activity within our school and the broader community.
This table outlines the key developmental milestones in physical education for each year group, focusing on three essential areas: Cognitive, Physical and Personal, Social, and Emotional. Together, these areas support the holistic development of pupils, promoting physical competence, emotional well-being, and a positive approach to lifelong physical activity.




PE Curriculum Road Map Reception – Year 6


In April 2024 we were proud to take part in both the London Mini Marathon on the Mall and the ‘RunKidsRun’ running event at Battersea Park.
The marathon kids running practice in school helped us train for both these events and helped raise money for our school.






