Intent
At Harbour Vale School, our Physical Education curriculum is designed to meet the diverse and often complex needs of our pupils through a therapeutic, inclusive and high-quality approach. We recognise that physical activity is not only important for physical health but also plays a vital role in supporting emotional wellbeing, personal development and positive mental health.
Our curriculum aims to provide all pupils with access to a broad and engaging range of physical activities, enabling them to develop confidence, competence and enjoyment in movement. Through participation in sport, fitness and outdoor learning experiences, pupils develop resilience, self-awareness and a positive sense of identity. The curriculum is carefully designed to support pupils in building lifelong habits that promote healthy lifestyles while developing key personal qualities such as teamwork, communication, leadership and emotional literacy.
The curriculum is sequenced to ensure pupils first develop confidence and engagement before progressing towards greater independence, skill acquisition and participation in increasingly challenging physical activities. Activities are adapted and personalised to ensure all learners, including those with SEND and social, emotional and mental health needs, can experience success and make meaningful progress.
Implementation
Physical Education is delivered through a diverse programme of practical activities across Key Stages 3 and 4, providing pupils with opportunities to experience a wide variety of sporting, fitness and outdoor learning environments.
These opportunities include:
- Fitness Suite and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions that focus on technique, stamina, strength and structured progression.
- Outdoor learning experiences, including park visits and team-building activities, which promote cooperation, resilience, reflection and personal growth.
- Onsite PE lessons featuring activities such as football, table tennis, cricket, resistance training and other recreational sports.
Pupils are also offered opportunities to represent Harbour Vale through participation in the school football team, where they can engage in regular training sessions, friendly fixtures and inclusive competitive events.
Lessons are carefully scaffolded to support individual needs and ensure progression over time. Practitioners use modelling, coaching, reflection and personalised targets to build pupils’ confidence and competence. Opportunities for literacy, numeracy, oracy, careers education and personal development are embedded throughout the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their learning through planning, self-evaluation and peer coaching activities, helping them to develop independence and transferable life skills.
For pupils with a particular interest in sport and fitness, opportunities are available to study Occupational Studies qualifications focused on planning and participating in fitness and sporting activities, providing valuable vocational learning experiences and potential progression pathways.
Impact
The impact of the Physical Education curriculum is evident through pupils’ increased participation, confidence and engagement in physical activity. Pupils develop the knowledge, skills and motivation required to lead active and healthy lifestyles both during and beyond their time at Harbour Vale.
Through regular participation, pupils demonstrate improved physical competence, emotional regulation, resilience and social skills. They become more confident working collaboratively, managing challenges and reflecting on their own progress. Many pupils develop a greater understanding of the relationship between physical activity, mental wellbeing and overall health.
Assessment is ongoing and focuses on both physical development and personal progress. Staff monitor pupils’ engagement, skill acquisition, fitness levels, teamwork, leadership and personal development through observation, discussion and practical performance.
The curriculum contributes significantly to Harbour Vale’s culture of wellbeing, inclusion, aspiration and personal growth, ensuring pupils leave with the confidence and skills to participate safely and independently in physical activity throughout their lives.
Learning Journey
Engage → Participate → Develop → Lead → Thrive
- Develop confidence through participation in a range of physical activities.
- Build fundamental movement skills, fitness and physical competence.
- Explore team sports, individual challenges and outdoor learning opportunities.
- Develop resilience, teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
- Understand the relationship between physical activity, health and wellbeing.
- Participate in competitive and non-competitive sporting opportunities.
- Access vocational pathways through Occupational Studies qualifications.
- Leave Harbour Vale with the skills, confidence and motivation to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Additional Statutory Information
Physical Education is delivered to all pupils as part of Harbour Vale School’s commitment to promoting physical health, emotional wellbeing and personal development. We continually seek opportunities to broaden our provision through community partnerships, enrichment activities and sporting experiences that inspire pupils to engage positively with physical activity. Our curriculum supports pupils in developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives.