Rationale

Physical Education develops pupils physical competence and confidence, and their ability to use these to perform in a range of activities. It promotes physical skill, physical development and knowledge of the body in action. Physical Education provides opportunities for pupils to be creative, competitive and to face up to different challenges as individuals and in groups and teams. It promotes positive attitudes towards active and healthy life styles. Pupils learn how to think in different ways to suit a wide variety of creative, competitive and challenging activities. They learn how to plan perform and evaluate actions, ideas and performances to improve their quality and effectiveness. Through this process pupils discover their aptitudes, abilities and preferences, and make choices about how to get involved in lifelong physical activity. (N.C 1999)

At Mount Wise Primary School, Physical Education (PE) and Sport is a high priority. The Government’s PE Premium Funding has allowed us to further develop an ethos and culture in our school where physical activity is embedded in all that we do and is valued during all times of the school day as well as extended hours. We want all our pupils to increase their skills, whilst developing a positive attitude to Physical Activity, being intrinsically motivated to participate in Physical Activity both in and out of school. Our curriculum map has been constructed alongside the other schools in the Learning Academies Trust, however, we have ensured that it is adapted where needed to consider the needs of the pupils within our school. Our focus is on developing the pupils Fundamental Movement Skills. These are taught through real P.E. during curriculum time, as well as any after school clubs which are planned to compliment the key skills being taught. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their own learning by being a part of their own assessments at the beginning and end of a term. 

What are Fundamental Movement Skills?

Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are movement patterns that involve different body parts such as the legs, arms, trunk and head, and include such skills as running, hopping, catching, throwing, striking and balancing. They are the foundation movements or pre-cursor patterns to the more specialised, complex skills used in play, games, sports, dance, gymnastics, outdoor education and physical recreation activities.

Why are Fundamental Movement Skills important?

Physical activity provides health benefits for children, including:

• Providing important protection from developing coronary heart disease.

• A longer life with better managed weight, lower blood pressure and healthier cholesterol levels.

• Healthy growth and development of the cardio respiratory system as well as bones and muscles.

• Mental and social health benefits including feelings of confidence, happiness and relaxation as well as an ability to sleep better.

Why are Fundamental Movement Skills are so vital?

Children who develop confidence with their FMS skills may enjoy many benefits. Those who have a positive attitude to physical activity may have higher self-esteem, improved health and wellbeing, good social skills, are more willing to take risks and are also more likely to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Research reveals that children with low motor skills can be at risk of reduced self-esteem and choose to avoid physical activity. This may lead to compromised muscle and bone density, reduced fitness and fewer opportunities for social development.’ CCEA (accessed 2018)

Our Curriculum Plans for each area of PE across the school have a clear skills progression that is followed by all the schools in the Learning Academies Trust MAT. This enables pupils to build on skills already taught and ensure they are proficient in key areas by the time they leave Year 6.

Lunch Times at Mount Wise Primary School

At Mount Wise we believe that lunch times are key to embracing a culture where physical activity and sport are an integral part of our children's everyday routine. This year we have employed a Physical Education Teaching Assistant to plan and support the implementation of high quality provision for all our children. Part of his role is providing space practice during lunchtime to address misconceptions encountered during P.E lesson time. We also employ Plymouth Argyle Football Club Coaches to engage children in a range of sports and activities that are accessible for all. Click on the image below to see lunchtimes in action.