PE - Bassenthwaite Primary School

What we are aiming for

At Bassenthwaite, Physical Education plays an important role in promoting children’s physical wellbeing, confidence and enjoyment of being active. We aim to develop positive attitudes towards sport and physical activity, helping children to build healthy habits that support lifelong wellbeing.

Physical Education supports children to develop fundamental movement skills, coordination, balance and fitness. Through a wide range of physical and sporting activities, pupils learn to challenge themselves, persevere and take pride in their achievements.

We place strong emphasis on sportsmanship, cooperation and kindness. Children learn to work as part of a team, respect rules and support one another, developing empathy and fairness in both competitive and non-competitive situations.

We want children to leave Bassenthwaite feeling confident to take part in physical activity, willing to try new challenges and motivated to stay active.

How learning happens

Mixed-age classes

Physical Education is taught in mixed-age classes where a supportive and inclusive environment allows all children to take part and succeed. Lessons are carefully planned to ensure progression in skills, confidence and understanding as children move through the school.

Teachers and specialist coaches work together to provide high-quality PE lessons across games, gymnastics, dance and physical activities. Children are supported to develop skills at their own level while being encouraged to challenge themselves.

How we get there

Physical Education lessons focus on developing skills through practice, participation and reflection. Children are encouraged to think about how their bodies move, how skills can be improved and how teamwork contributes to success.

Children learn through:

practising and refining physical skills
taking part in games and team activities
learning rules, tactics and strategies
reflecting on performance and progress
applying skills in competitive and cooperative situations

We enhance our curriculum through specialist coaching. Children experience blocks of coaching in activities such as cricket, tennis, gymnastics, dance and multi-skills, often leading to inter-school competitions and events.

We also work closely with external partners, including local sports partnerships and specialist PE coaches, to ensure children benefit from high-quality teaching and a wide range of experiences.

Knowledge, vocabulary and physical thinking

Our Physical Education curriculum develops both:

physical skills, including agility, balance, coordination, strength and stamina
physical thinking, including decision-making, teamwork, resilience and evaluation

Key vocabulary related to movement, technique, rules and tactics is taught and revisited so children can talk confidently about their performance and progress.

Children are encouraged to reflect on what went well and how they can improve, supporting independence and perseverance.

Enrichment and wider opportunities

We are fortunate to live in an area that offers excellent opportunities for outdoor learning and adventure. We ensure children experience a wide range of enrichment opportunities beyond the curriculum.

Children take part in a progressive programme of outdoor and adventurous activities, including:

outdoor learning and adventurous activities in school
an overnight residential experience in Years 2–4
a residential visit to Lockerbie Manor for Key Stage 2, focusing on teamwork, resilience and adventure

These experiences help children develop confidence, independence and problem-solving skills in real-life contexts.

Competitions and events

We provide a range of opportunities for children to take part in both intra-school and inter-school competitions. The focus is on participation, enjoyment and developing confidence, as well as improving fitness and skill.

Children have opportunities to take part in:

cross-country events (from Year 2 upwards)
local schools competitions
gymnastics competitions for Key Stage 1 and 2
the Keswick Mountain Festival Schools Triathlon (Key Stage 2)
annual Sports Day, including team events, relays and individual races

These events help children apply their skills, experience competition and develop teamwork and sportsmanship.

Swimming

Children in Years 3–6 take part in an intensive block of swimming each year.

Through swimming, pupils:

develop confidence in water
learn a range of strokes
build stamina and technique
understand water safety

Swimming is supported by trained staff and parental involvement, ensuring all children can access this important life skill.

Extra-curricular opportunities

We offer a range of extra-curricular clubs throughout the year, which may include:

football
cricket
running
dance
multi-skills activities

These opportunities vary across the year and provide children with additional chances to stay active, develop skills and enjoy sport.

School Sports Funding

At Bassenthwaite, we value sporting activities and aim to provide a wide range of high-quality opportunities for all pupils.

School sports funding is used to:

access specialist coaching through local sports partnerships
provide opportunities to take part in competitions and events
support teacher training and development
fund transport and supply cover for sporting events
enhance outdoor and adventurous experiences, including residential visits and water-based activities

We carefully consider how funding can best support participation, progression and enjoyment in Physical Education.

Please see our Sports Funding document for a full breakdown of spending for 2024-2025 the Sports Funding 2024-2025

What children gain

Through Physical Education, children:

develop confidence in their physical abilities
improve fitness, coordination and control
learn to cooperate, communicate and show sportsmanship
develop resilience and perseverance
grow in empathy and respect for others

Physical Education supports children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by promoting fairness, teamwork, self-belief and respect.

By the time they leave Bassenthwaite, pupils enjoy being active, understand the importance of physical wellbeing and feel confident to take part in sport and physical activity beyond school.

How we know

We know children are making progress in Physical Education through their increasing confidence, skill development and willingness to participate.

Teachers assess learning through: