All PE at The Free School Norwich is taught by specialist sports coaches. For children in EYFS and KS1, this takes place onsite while, for children in KS2, lessons take place at Carrow Park with coaches from Norwich Community Sports Foundation. Children are also given the opportunity to take part in a variety of more specialist sports provision including ten pin bowling, water sports, karate, Muay Thai boxing, yoga and golf as part of our wider Personal Learning Activities and our link to Norwich School Sports Partnership.
In EYFS, PE, as part of Physical development, is one of the Prime Areas of Learning and underpins the development of other skills such as reading, writing and attention. As such, it is given lots of focus and is encouraged using both the indoor and outdoor provision. Specific areas and resources have been developed for children to learn and practise specific skills including balancing, climbing, jumping, throwing and catching, kicking and moving in a range of ways. They also access two one hour discrete PE lessons each week which focus on developing a particular skill using a varied range of equipment including parachutes, benches, balls, mats and climbing apparatus. Emphasis is put on creating fun and enjoyable sessions for the children which aim to inspire a love of sport and physical activity. Parents are able to track their children’s development through regular updates on Tapestry and at Parents’ Evenings, as well as being invited into school to support their children during Sports Day. In EYFS, children are introduced to the word ‘healthy’ and what this means. Children are given opportunities during their PE lessons and appropriate activities within provision to observe and discuss the physical effects that being active has on their bodies. They are encouraged to talk about how they link to 'being healthy'. Adults plan focus activities during the academic year which enable the children to explore a range of foods and develop an understanding of which are healthy or unhealthy and the reasons why.
In KS1, children are taught two, one hour long PE sessions a week teaching a variety of invasion games, dance or gymnastics. Children build on the fundamental skills taught in EYFS and aim to master basic skill movements such as running, throwing, jumping and catching as well as beginning to develop balance, agility and coordination. Children are introduced to team games as well as individual sports. Basic tactics are introduced to the children as well as competitive sports whether that be competing against other children, teams or themselves. A healthy lifestyle is taught through Science in Year 2, building on prior knowledge from EYFS.
In KS2, children have one 2-hour long PE session a week teaching a variety of invasion games, dance, gymnastics, Swimming or outdoor adventurous activities. Children will learn how to apply all skills taught throughout their school journey in isolation and combination. They develop an understanding of how to improve, evaluate themselves and others and recognise their own success. There is a bigger focus in both competition against themselves or other children for example in athletics and basketball. Children are also provided with swimming lessons throughout Years 4,5 and 6 to allow them to meet the objectives outlined in the National Curriculum. PE is adapted when necessary to ensure it is fully inclusive and all children are engaged.
