Physical Education

Physical Education Intent Statement

At Harnham Junior School, Physical Education plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission to ‘Aspire to succeed’. Through high-quality PE, we encourage every child to reach their personal best by developing perseverance, teamwork, confidence and self-belief. PE provides pupils with meaningful opportunities to set goals, overcome challenges and celebrate progress, equipping them with life skills that extend far beyond the sports field.

Our PE curriculum underpins the school value of FAITH. Through shared physical experiences, pupils learn to forgive mistakes, show encouragement and demonstrate kindness and inclusion. Children are inspired to recognise what they can achieve through effort and perseverance, building motivation and resilience. Working collaboratively in teams, dances and group activities fosters harmony, respect and unity, nurturing both physical development and strong character.

We recognise the crucial role that knowledge and vocabulary play in learning. Our PE curriculum is built around four interconnected strands:
Move, which develops pupils’ ability to perform and refine physical skills;
Think, which builds understanding of the how and why of movement, tactics, rules and healthy lifestyles;
Feel, which nurtures resilience, confidence, motivation and self-belief;
and Connect, which develops leadership, teamwork and an understanding of the wider cultural and social aspects of physical education.

Subject-specific vocabulary is explicitly taught, carefully mapped and revisited throughout the curriculum to support long-term learning. Pupils are introduced to key terminology progressively, with concepts becoming increasingly complex as understanding deepens. This enables children to communicate effectively, evaluate performance and make meaningful connections within and beyond PE.

Our curriculum is evidence-informed and grounded in research-based best practice, including guidance from the Education Endowment Foundation and Sport England’s Move, Think, Feel, Connect framework. Lessons are designed to support clear explanations, effective modelling, structured practice and regular opportunities for reflection and success. High-quality teaching is a central driver of inclusion, with lessons and resources intentionally designed to support pupils with SEND through adaptable teaching strategies and accessible materials.

It is our intent that all pupils:
- develop a broad and secure range of physical skills and apply them confidently across a variety of activities
- engage in regular physical activity and understand its importance for lifelong health and wellbeing
- communicate effectively, collaborate with others and demonstrate fairness, respect and equity in play
- build resilience, confidence and a positive attitude towards challenge
- experience success and enjoyment in PE, regardless of starting point
- access a wide range of physical activities, including opportunities to compete and excel
- access a wide range of physical activities, including swimming, outdoor adventurous activities, extra-curricular clubs and opportunities to compete and excel at an appropriate level
- leave Harnham Junior School inspired to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives
We provide a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, during and after school, enabling pupils to engage in physical activity beyond curriculum time. Competitive sport is promoted in a supportive and inclusive manner, recognising the importance of high-quality Physical Education as the foundation for participation and success. Pupils have opportunities to take part in both intra- and inter-school competitions, including football, tri-golf, netball, orienteering, hockey, tag rugby, cricket, athletics and the Salisbury Mini-Marathon. These experiences allow pupils to challenge themselves, develop teamwork and represent their school with pride.
Inter-house competitions take place throughout the year, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to compete, contribute to a team and apply skills learned in PE lessons. These events promote fitness, enjoyment and a sense of belonging for all pupils.
Swimming and water safety are a key part of our curriculum. All pupils in Year 3 participate in swimming lessons at the local leisure centre, with additional sessions provided in Year 4 for those who require further support. This ensures pupils develop confidence in the water and acquire an essential life-saving skill.
Pupils experience outdoor adventurous activities through a residential trip in Year 6 and forest school where they are encouraged to challenge themselves, work collaboratively and draw upon their tenacity. These experiences play a vital role in developing resilience, perseverance and independence.
As a school, we actively promote healthy lifestyles through Physical Education and targeted health and well-being sessions. Pupils are taught to understand the physical, mental and social benefits of regular exercise, supporting them to make positive choices now and in the future.
The impact of Physical Education at Harnham Junior School is that pupils leave with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. Through high-quality Physical Education, pupils improve their physical competence, fitness and wellbeing while developing the perseverance, confidence and self-belief needed to aspire to succeed.
As a result of our PE curriculum, pupils demonstrate secure physical skills and are able to apply these confidently across a wide range of activities. They understand how and why their bodies move, can explain rules, tactics and strategies using appropriate subject-specific vocabulary, and make informed choices about healthy, active lifestyles. Pupils show resilience and motivation when faced with challenge and take pride in their own progress, regardless of starting point.
Our PE curriculum has a strong impact on pupils’ personal development and character. Through shared physical experiences, pupils consistently demonstrate the school value of FAITH by showing forgiveness, encouragement, kindness and respect for others. They work collaboratively in teams, dances and group activities, developing leadership skills, fairness and a strong sense of unity. Pupils understand how to win and lose with dignity and show respect for both teammates and opponents.
Pupils enjoy Physical Education and engage enthusiastically in lessons, extra-curricular activities and competitive opportunities. They are physically active for sustained periods of time and recognise the importance of regular exercise for both physical and mental wellbeing. By the end of Year 6, pupils are confident swimmers, able to swim at least 25 metres, and understand how to remain safe in and around water.
The impact of our PE provision is evaluated through ongoing assessment of skills and knowledge, pupil voice, lesson observations and participation in intra- and inter-school competitions. These measures ensure that all pupils make progress, experience success and leave Harnham Junior School inspired to continue leading healthy, active and fulfilling lives.