Physical Education

All pupils learn about the importance of health and fitness through gymnastics, dance and games.

We believe that physical education (PE) and sport are an integral part of education – equipping children with the skills and knowledge to lead an active and healthy life.

Each year group is taught by a specialist PE teacher. We encourage sporting competition whilst ensuring that all children are given opportunities to participate in a range of sports activities and have access to a broad and balanced PE curriculum.

We want all pupils to leave Rathfern with a love of sport and be committed to lifelong participation.

School Games Mark

We are delighted to announce that we, Rathfern Primary School, have achieved the School Games Gold Mark Award for the 2023/2024 academic year. This is the third consecutive year that Rathfern have achieved the Gold award.

The School Games Mark is a government-led awards scheme launched in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community. Participating in this process allows schools to evaluate their PE provision and assists them in developing an action plan for future progress.

Our PE Curriculum

2024-2025 PE Curriculum Map

rathfern complete pe curriculum map.pdf

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Children will be supported to develop their confidence using gross motor skills through a range of activities, and opportunities to use climbing equipment, balls, bikes/scooters and building resources. In Reception, children will engage in Games, Gymnastic and Dance lessons taught by PE specialists using Val Sabin schemes of work. Pupils enjoy regular Forest School visits where both self-exploratory and structured outdoor learning takes place.

In the EYFS pupils will be taught to:

Moving and Handling

Show good control and co-ordination in large and small movements
Move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space
Handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing

Health and Self Care

Show good control and co-ordination in large and small movements
Move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space

Key Stage 1 (KS1)

In KS1 children will develop fundamental movement skills through Games, Gymnastics and Dance lessons taught by PE specialists, based on Val Sabin schemes of work and cross-curricular themes. Games will be taught throughout the school year, and Dance and Gymnastics will be alternated every half term. Pupils will engage in competitive physical activities, against them self and others, and there will be opportunities to attend a Football, Multi-skills and Panathlon events with children from other local primary schools. Children will also enjoy Forest School visits that allow for both self-exploratory and structured outdoor learning.

In KS1 pupils will be taught to:

Master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching and begin to apply these in a range of activities
Develop balance, agility and coordination, and begin to apply these in a range of activities
Participate in team games, developing simple tactics for attacking and defending
Perform dances using simple movement patterns

Key Stage 2 (KS2)

KS2 pupils will develop key skills through games and athletic activities during every term of the year. Dance and Gymnastics are alternated every half term. Lessons are taught by PE specialists, based on Val Sabin schemes of work and cross-curricular themes. In Year 4, pupil attend weekly swimming lesson at St Dunstan’s School, and top-up lessons will be provided for children who are unable to meet the Curriculum expectations at the end of the year. In the summer term some KS2 year groups will go off-site to Ladywell Arena for athletics PE lessons.

During the year children will work with sports coaches from local sports clubs who offer a pathway for children who possess high skill level or keen interest in the sport. KS2 pupils have the opportunity to attend competitive events and sports festivals in a range of sports provided by Lewisham School Games and the Sydenham and the Forest Hill School Sports Coordinator. Competitions/Festivals include Football, Hockey, Netball, CrIcket, Basketball, Gymnastics, Dance, Inclusive Multi-Skills, Penathlon, New Age Kurling, Athletics and Change for Life, Leadership training, and Tri Golf.

In KS2 Pupils will be taught to:

Use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination
Play competitive games, modified where appropriate and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending
Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance [for example, through athletics and gymnastics
Perform dances using a range of movement patterns
Take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team
Compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

We offer a wide range of extra-curricualar sports clubs (Breakfast, Lunchtime and After-school) including Football, Gymnastics, Dance, Ballet, Boogie Bounce (mini trampolining), Hockey, Yoga and Change for Life. All clubs are led by our in house PE specialists, or by fully qualified sports coaches.

See a list of our Enrichment Clubs.