Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity (PESSPA)
Physical Education
At Tanfield Lea Community Primary School, we believe that Physical Education is an essential part of every child’s education and makes a significant contribution to their physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. Our curriculum is designed to provide all children with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to lead healthy, active lifestyles whilst developing a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.
We recognise that children arrive at our school with a wide range of experiences and levels of participation in physical activity. Therefore, our PE curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure all pupils develop the fundamental movement skills, motor competence and confidence required to succeed. In EYFS and Key Stage 1, children systematically develop core movement skills which provide the foundation for future learning. These skills are then refined and applied throughout Key Stage 2, enabling pupils to become increasingly competent, confident and physically literate.
We understand that successful participation in sport requires more than physical competence alone. As pupils progress through the curriculum, they develop an understanding of rules, tactics and strategies, alongside important personal qualities such as teamwork, resilience, leadership, self-discipline and perseverance. Through a wide range of physical activities, children learn to manage themselves effectively in different situations and develop the confidence to challenge themselves and others.
PE is a vocabulary-rich subject, incorporating both scientific and sport-specific terminology. Key vocabulary is introduced progressively and revisited regularly to ensure pupils can confidently communicate their understanding of movement, performance and health. Units are delivered through a carefully planned two-year curriculum cycle and include games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, swimming and outdoor and adventurous activities. Lessons are delivered in a safe, supportive environment where effort, improvement and achievement are equally celebrated. Teachers and coaches utilise the STEP approach to provide effective adaptations and ensure all pupils can access learning and experience success.
To further enrich the curriculum and broaden children’s experiences, pupils participate in a range of additional opportunities including residential visits, outdoor and adventurous activities, festivals and competitive sport. Through these experiences, children develop both physically and personally whilst creating lasting memories and aspirations for the future.
Subject Area Progression Map
School Sport
At Tanfield Lea Community Primary School, we are committed to providing a broad and inclusive programme of school sport that encourages participation, develops talent and promotes enjoyment. Through our partnership with the Durham and Chester-le-Street School Sport Partnership, pupils access a wide range of sporting opportunities throughout the academic year.
All children are provided with opportunities to represent the school and participate in festivals, competitions, tournaments and sporting events. These include multi-skills festivals, athletics, football, cricket, netball, tag rugby, swimming, dance and a range of sport-specific development activities. Our provision ensures that children experience both participation-based and competitive opportunities, allowing all pupils to engage in a way that supports their individual needs and interests.
Younger pupils regularly participate in inclusive festivals designed to build confidence, enjoyment and engagement in physical activity, whilst older pupils have opportunities to represent the school in local, county and partnership competitions. Through this approach, we aim to ensure that all children experience success, develop resilience and gain a positive understanding of healthy competition.
Leadership opportunities form an important part of our school sport offer. Pupils can develop communication, teamwork and organisational skills through roles such as playground leaders and sports organisers. These responsibilities help children become positive role models and actively contribute to promoting physical activity across the school community.
Our school sport programme aims to provide positive sporting experiences for all pupils, increase participation rates and inspire children to remain active beyond their primary school years.
Please see our calendar of events for Autumn and Spring Terms 2026/2027 – Calendar of Events
Physical Activity
At Tanfield Lea Community Primary School, we understand the important role physical activity plays in supporting children’s physical health, mental wellbeing and overall development. As a result, promoting active lifestyles extends beyond PE lessons and forms an integral part of our wider curriculum and school culture.
Children are explicitly taught about the relationship between exercise, physical activity and health, enabling them to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing. Through the curriculum, pupils develop an understanding of the benefits of regular activity and learn how healthy lifestyle choices can support both physical and mental health.
To further enhance this understanding, we provide a range of enrichment opportunities throughout the year, including themed enrichment days linked to healthy lifestyles, disability awareness and sporting participation. These experiences encourage pupils to develop empathy, broaden their understanding of inclusion and recognise the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
We also strive to raise aspirations by highlighting the diverse range of careers linked to physical activity, health and sport. Children learn about potential pathways into areas such as sports coaching, teaching, healthcare professions, personal training, the military and professional sport, helping them understand the wider opportunities available through participation in physical activity.
Subject Leadership
The leadership and development of Physical Education are carefully monitored to ensure high standards are maintained across the school. The subject leader works closely with teaching staff, support staff and sports coaches to monitor the quality of teaching and learning through lesson visits, professional dialogue, pupil voice and assessment information.
To ensure progression is embedded across the curriculum, the subject leader has developed a comprehensive progression map which outlines the knowledge, skills and vocabulary pupils are expected to acquire at each stage of their learning. Ongoing professional development and attendance at local and county PE conferences ensure the curriculum remains current and reflects national guidance and best practice.
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