Intent

At Sunnyside Primary Academy, we believe that Physical Education is a vital part of every child's education, promoting physical competence, emotional wellbeing, resilience and lifelong healthy habits. Through our PE curriculum, we aim to inspire all pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required to lead active and healthy lives.

Our curriculum is underpinned by our five curriculum pillars:

Aspiring for Excellence

We encourage pupils to strive for their personal best, demonstrate resilience, and embrace challenge. Through high-quality teaching, competitive opportunities and regular reflection on performance, children learn that success comes through effort, perseverance and determination. Pupils are supported to develop confidence, leadership and a growth mindset, enabling them to take pride in their achievements both individually and as part of a team.

Enriching Language and Communication

PE provides rich opportunities for pupils to develop and apply subject-specific vocabulary. Children learn to communicate effectively through discussion, teamwork, coaching and evaluation activities. They develop the language needed to describe movement, analyse performance, explain tactics and provide constructive feedback, strengthening both their communication skills and their understanding of physical activity.

Cultivating a Strong Community

Physical Education plays an important role in building positive relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. Through collaborative learning, team games, leadership opportunities and inclusive participation, pupils learn respect, empathy and sportsmanship. Our partnership with Northampton Town Football Club further strengthens our community links, providing pupils with high-quality coaching experiences and positive sporting role models.

Broadening Horizons

We provide pupils with access to a wide range of sporting experiences that extend beyond the National Curriculum. Through our membership with Northamptonshire Sport, children regularly participate in festivals, competitions and School Games events, including football, athletics, hockey, cricket, gymnastics, orienteering, archery and cross-country events. These opportunities introduce pupils to new activities, develop aspirations and encourage participation in sport beyond school.

Building a Knowledge-Rich Foundation

Through our carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils develop a secure understanding of movement, physical fitness, tactics, rules, health and wellbeing. They learn not only how to perform physical skills but also why physical activity is important. This knowledge equips pupils with the understanding needed to make informed lifestyle choices and supports their continued participation in physical activity throughout their lives.

To support these ambitions, we follow the Get Set 4 PE scheme of work, which is fully aligned to the National Curriculum and designed to support progression in both knowledge and skills from the Early Years through to Year 6.

Implementation

Physical Education is taught for two hours each week, providing pupils with regular opportunities to develop their physical competence and confidence.

At Sunnyside Primary Academy, we use the Get Set 4 PE curriculum, which offers a progressive and inclusive programme of study. Each lesson is carefully sequenced to build upon prior learning and develop children's fundamental movement skills, tactical understanding, physical fitness and knowledge of healthy lifestyles.

Our curriculum includes:

• Fundamental movement skills
• Dance
• Gymnastics
• Athletics
• Invasion games
• Net and wall games
• Striking and fielding games
• Outdoor and adventurous activities
• Swimming (where applicable)
• Team sports, including football, hockey, netball, basketball, rugby and cricket

The curriculum is structured to ensure clear progression from EYFS to Year 6, enabling pupils to revisit and build upon previous learning while developing increasing levels of competence and confidence. Our PE Overview outlines the progression of units taught across each year group. 

Lessons are delivered in an inclusive manner, with appropriate adaptations and challenges to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can achieve success and make progress. Assessment is ongoing and informs future planning, ensuring pupils are supported and challenged appropriately.

Enrichment Opportunities

We are committed to providing opportunities that extend beyond curriculum lessons. These include:

• Before-school, lunchtime and after-school sports clubs
• Intra-school competitions
• Inter-school competitions
• School Games events
• Leadership opportunities for pupils
• Specialist coaching through our partnership with Northampton Town Football Club

Through our membership with Northamptonshire Sport, pupils participate in a wide variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including football, hockey, cricket, athletics, gymnastics, boccia, new age kurling, archery and orienteering. 

These opportunities enable pupils to apply their learning in competitive and non-competitive environments, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and experience success in a range of sporting contexts.

Impact

The impact of our PE curriculum is evident in the enthusiasm, confidence and resilience demonstrated by our pupils.

Children leave Sunnyside Primary Academy with:

• A secure understanding of physical health and wellbeing
• Strong fundamental movement skills and physical competence
• The confidence to participate in a range of sporting activities
• A positive attitude towards physical activity and healthy lifestyles
• The ability to work collaboratively and show good sportsmanship
• An understanding of how to evaluate and improve their own performance
• Increased resilience, determination and self-belief

Pupils speak confidently about their learning using appropriate subject-specific vocabulary and demonstrate a growing understanding of tactics, performance and healthy living. They actively participate in lessons, clubs and competitions, and many continue their sporting interests within the local community.

Through our broad and ambitious curriculum, extensive enrichment opportunities and strong community partnerships, we ensure that all pupils are equipped to be physically active, socially responsible and emotionally resilient individuals who are prepared for the next stage of their education and beyond.

Our PE Partners

Northampton Town Football Club

• Delivers specialist coaching and enrichment opportunities.
• Provides positive sporting role models.
• Enhances participation, engagement and skill development.

Northamptonshire Sport

• Offers access to School Games competitions and festivals throughout the academic year.
• Provides opportunities for pupils to compete, represent the school and experience a wide range of sports.