Across the Black Country Federation, we believe that Physical Education plays a vital role in developing confidence, resilience and a lifelong commitment to staying active. PE is about far more than sport; it supports physical development, mental wellbeing and positive attitudes towards challenge.

Our curriculum is built around the Real PE approach, which focuses on developing the whole child through six key areas:

• Personal – building resilience, self-belief and motivation.
• Social – encouraging teamwork, communication and cooperation.
• Cognitive – developing decision-making, strategy and evaluation skills.
• Creative – promoting imagination and problem-solving through movement.
• Physical – strengthening fundamental movement skills, coordination and fitness.
• Health and Fitness – understanding the importance of leading an active, healthy lifestyle.

We adapt Real PE to reflect CUSP principles, ensuring that learning is carefully sequenced and revisited over time. Pupils regularly return to key skills and vocabulary so that knowledge and movement become more secure. Teachers explicitly teach subject-specific language, and pupils are encouraged to talk about their learning, explain their thinking and reflect on performance. Our school values are woven throughout PE, promoting ambition, perseverance, respect and excellence.

We are committed to ensuring that every child has access to sport and physical activity. This includes opportunities for both intra- and inter-school competitions, inclusive provision for pupils with SEND, and a wide range of additional activities beyond timetabled lessons. Our aim is that every pupil leaves primary school physically literate, confident and motivated to remain active throughout their lives.

Physical Development in EYFS

In the Early Years, physical development is a core area of learning. Children develop:

• Gross motor skills such as running, jumping, balancing and climbing.
• Fine motor control to support handwriting and everyday tasks.
• Spatial awareness and body control.
• Agility, balance and coordination.

Through structured play and guided activities, children practise climbing and balancing, take part in simple team games, explore dance and movement, and begin to develop basic ball skills such as throwing and catching. These early experiences provide the foundation for more structured PE in Key Stage 1 and beyond.

Developing Language in PE

We place importance on teaching the language of physical education. Pupils learn and use accurate terminology to describe movement, tactics and performance. They discuss techniques with partners, explain why certain movements are effective and evaluate performances using clear sentence structures. This approach helps pupils to understand their learning more deeply and communicate with confidence.

Building Skills Over Time

Learning in PE is carefully structured so that pupils revisit and build on previous knowledge. Lessons begin by reconnecting with earlier skills and vocabulary before introducing new challenges. For example, in a ball skills unit, pupils might recall previous work on grip, stance and coordination before applying those skills in a new context such as basketball or tennis. This ensures that PE is a continuous journey of development rather than a series of isolated activities.

A Whole-School Commitment to Physical Activity

Physical activity is embedded across the school day. Alongside PE lessons, pupils benefit from:

• Regular competitions within school and against other schools.
• Visits and workshops from local athletes to inspire and motivate.
• Wake Up Shake Up sessions before school.
• Active breaktimes, lunchtimes and a wide range of after-school sports clubs.

PE also supports inclusion. Targeted activities help pupils develop core strength, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, as well as confidence and social interaction.

Assessment in PE

Assessment is ongoing and focuses on progress, effort and engagement as well as physical performance. Teachers observe skill development, decision-making and teamwork. Pupils receive recognition linked to school values, and end-of-unit evaluations help track improvements in fluency and application. Competition experiences also provide opportunities to reflect on sportsmanship and tactical awareness.

The Impact of Our PE Curriculum

By the time pupils leave our school, they:

• Have secure fundamental movement skills that support lifelong participation in physical activity.
• Show resilience and confidence when facing physical challenges.
• Work effectively as team members and demonstrate leadership skills.
• Understand the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

Our PE curriculum ensures that every child leaves school with the skills, confidence and enthusiasm to continue engaging in sport and physical activity in the future.

Further Information

For more information, including Real PE planning, competition schedules and details of clubs and activities, please contact our Curriculum Lead, Tom Amphlett, at info@brierley.dudley.sch.uk.