Physical Education

At St Ambrose, we are committed to providing every child with high-quality opportunities to engage in Physical Education. We believe PE is essential for developing physical skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement and healthy living. Through a broad and inclusive curriculum, we ensure all pupils experience success and enjoyment in physical activity.

Intent
At St Ambrose, we aim to inspire every child to succeed in Physical Education and develop skills that last a lifetime. Through PE, pupils learn fundamental movement skills alongside crucial personal qualities such as cooperation, teamwork, fairness, and respect—embedding values that prepare them for life beyond school. We also promote wellbeing and fitness, not only through sporting activities but through the disciplines and positive attitudes that PE encourages.

Implementation
We follow the National Curriculum and use Get Set 4 PE to deliver a broad, balanced, and engaging programme. Children enjoy two PE lessons each week, covering a wide range of activities including invasion games, gymnastics, dance, swimming, and outdoor adventure. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure progression and challenge for all pupils. Beyond lessons, children are encouraged to join lunchtime and after-school sports clubs and take part in local competitive events, fostering teamwork and leadership. Key Stage 2 pupils have the opportunity to become Sports Leaders, supporting younger children in games and activities. Swimming is a priority, with KS2 pupils attending weekly sessions for 10 weeks, and additional lessons provided for those who need extra support.

Impact
Through high-quality teaching and exciting opportunities, pupils develop confidence, resilience, and a love of physical activity. They learn to take responsibility for their own health and fitness and many experience success in competitive sports. Our aim is for every child to leave St Ambrose equipped with the skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to lead active, healthy lives and to enjoy sport as part of their future.

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Timothy 4: 8

KS1

In Key Stage 1, Physical Education helps children live out CST principles such as Community and Participation and Dignity of the Human Person. Through team games and cooperative activities, pupils learn that everyone has a role to play and that working together brings success. They are taught to respect each other’s abilities, celebrate differences, and show kindness—reflecting the belief that every person is valuable. Simple actions like taking turns, encouraging teammates, and playing fairly help children understand justice and equality in a practical, age-appropriate way.

KS2

In Key Stage 2, PE deepens pupils’ understanding of CST principles such as Solidarity, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, and Care for Creation. Older children take on leadership roles as Sports Leaders, promoting inclusion and supporting younger pupils, which reflects standing in solidarity with others. Competitive events teach resilience and fairness, while discussions about healthy lifestyles link to caring for God’s gift of our bodies. Outdoor learning and sportsmanship encourage stewardship of creation, reminding pupils that respecting the environment and each other is part of living out Gospel values in everyday life.

Physical Education at St Ambrose provides rich opportunities for pupils to live out the virtues of the Catholic School Pupil Profile. When children are active, generous, and compassionate, they learn to support teammates, celebrate success, and show kindness in both victory and defeat. PE lessons encourage pupils to be attentive and discerning, making thoughtful decisions during games and understanding the importance of fairness and respect. These experiences help pupils grow in confidence and character, reflecting Gospel values through their actions.

Through PE, pupils also develop qualities such as being eloquent and truthful, communicating clearly and honestly during team activities, and being intentional and prophetic by setting goals and striving to achieve them. Leadership roles, such as Sports Leaders, allow older pupils to be faith-filled and hopeful, inspiring younger children and promoting inclusion. By linking physical activity with these virtues, PE becomes more than sport, it becomes a way for pupils to live out their faith in practical, meaningful ways, preparing them to be responsible and caring members of society.