We believe physical development (PD) plays a central role in helping young people to reach their potential.

We view opportunities for PD holistically - meaning that we embed activities and opportunities throughout the school day rather than in stand-alone Physical Development lessons.

 

We aim to provide a progressive curriculum that is inclusive and aspirational, supporting the physical needs of all our young people. Our Physical Development curriculum explores these key areas;

• Sensory Awareness
• Body Awareness
• Gross Motor Skills
• Fine Motor Skills
• Creative Movement
• Sport & Leisure

Some pupils may then develop to work towards outcomes linked to PELSA which explores;

• PE Environments
• Physical Activity
• Extra-Curricular PD
• Community
• Competitive Sport
• Competence & Sporting Values
• Health
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Motivation

 

At its core, we hope that our curriculum offer develops confidence and competence in movement through play and physical activity, as well as more formal Physical Education (PE) and sport. 

The experiences that we give our young people will enable them to be physically active for sustained periods of time. They will also develop an understanding of the contribution that physical exercise can make to a healthy, active life.  Our young people will develop their physical abilities, learning to move effectively and imaginatively in a variety of situations, working independently or in groups. Through the enjoyment of these physical activities, we hope to encourage a life-long love of exercise.

 

We see opportunities for physical development throughout the school day and in every location around the school.  In this way, we embed physical development consistently into daily routines and offer times to consolidate. Pupils may have the opportunity to engage with:

• Soft Play
• Hydrotherapy
• Splash Pool
• Sensory Trail
• Sensory Garden
• MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area)
• Outdoor environments linked to classrooms
• Group Rooms
• Sensory Rooms
• Indoor Playground
• Sensory Circuits

 

Each pathway also has a physical development afternoon, where classes have an opportunity to work together and share spaces across the school including the sports hall, the square, sensory rooms and soft play as well as outside spaces such as the field and MUGA.

Our Physical Development curriculum also supports emotional development, helping to develop positive mental health and wellbeing. It supports social and communication development through the interaction with others in groups and teams, and cognitive development by understanding of the purpose of movement and exercise and how we can in improve and enhance it.