PE at Walkington Primary School

At Walkington Primary School in Physical Education we want our children to be able to develop practical skills in order to participate, compete and lead a healthy lifestyle. This involves learning a range of physical movements and sporting techniques. We value the role that PE & sport plays in both the curriculum and the wider life of our school community and appreciate the potential it has to change young people’s lives for the better.

We study a varied curriculum which is carefully planned to build on fundamental movements year by year and covers the key areas of games, dance, gymnastics, swimming, athletics, and outdoor and adventurous activities.

We believe strongly that sharing the knowledge and skills of leading a healthy and active life is one of the best gifts we can give our pupils. We recognise that these skills go beyond fundamental movements and have an influence on the children’s social abilities, mental health, creativity and self-esteem.

Within every PE lesson, there is opportunity for the children to express themselves and work cooperatively with others as well as develop their physical literacy. Physical Education at Walkington Primary School is of equal importance to the core subjects and we pride ourselves on being an ‘active school’ where opportunities for movement and activity are embedded across the school day.

Outside the curriculum, we enable pupils to represent the school in a range of sporting activities. Pupils of all physical abilities are offered the chance to participate with some events being competitive and others aimed at engaging those children who are less active. We provide pathways for pupils to further their skills by signposting sporting clubs in our community. Some of our oldest pupils become Sports Leaders and are tasked with facilitating opportunities for active, positive play during lunchtimes as well as being ambassadors for the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.

The school recognises that each pupil will be at a different point in terms of their physical literacy by the time they transition to KS3; however we are committed to providing a learning pathway which is inclusive of everyone irrespective of abilities.

This intention also aligns closely with our aim of promoting the “Global Competencies” outlined by the OECD.

“The school’s welcoming and caring ethos is central to its work in raising standards for
pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“Leaders are well trained and use their knowledge of special educational needs to identify specific requirements at an early stage and provide timely support.”

Ofsted comments

“From the moment pupils enter the school each day, they are greeted with respect and a genuine sense of care from the adults in the building.”

Ofsted comments

“Effective safeguarding procedures are in place. All staff have a clear understanding of how to keep pupils safe.”

Ofsted comments

“Staff encourage pupils to be resilient and take risks. Pupils know it is all right to get things wrong and that this is part of the process of learning.”

Ofsted comments

“In all key stages, pupils are now making good progress from their starting points in reading, writing and mathematics.”

Ofsted comments

“Parents and carers who offered their views to inspectors were overwhelmingly positive about the experiences of their children.”

Ofsted comments

“In mathematics lessons, resources are used well to enable pupils to visualise abstract ideas and to get a more secure understanding of number.”

Ofsted comments

“Pupils listen to the opinions of others and are keen to offer their views considerately and respectfully.”

Ofsted comments

“Good teaching through early years and in key stage 1 ensures that the proportion of pupils passing the Year 1 phonics screening check is consistently above average.”

Ofsted comments

“Exciting activities, such as visits to places of worship, generate high levels of
interest and curiosity about the themes that pupils are studying.”

Ofsted comments

“The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.”

Ofsted comments

“Teachers use their good subject knowledge to plan interesting tasks that engage
pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“Learning in early years gets off to a good start. As a result of effective teaching and provision, children progress well from their starting points.”

Ofsted comments

“The profile of sport has been raised and more pupils now compete in sporting
activities.”

Ofsted comments

“By the end of Year 6, outcomes are high in reading and writing. In reading, they are
particularly high.”

Ofsted comments

“The teaching of reading is good. There is a consistent approach to the teaching of
phonics.”

Ofsted comments

“The passionate and effective leadership of senior leaders and the commitment of the staff have sustained the good quality of education at the school.”

Ofsted comments

“Pupils behave well and are polite, articulate and respectful.”

Ofsted comments

“The school is a calm, orderly and purposeful place for pupils to make the most of their learning.”

Ofsted comments

“Staff welcome the professional development they receive and say that this makes a real difference to the quality of their teaching.”

Ofsted comments

“Adults give pupils
opportunities to share ideas and challenge their own thinking and this helps them to articulate their opinions with confidence.”

Ofsted comments

“Governors have a good understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses and
are clear about priorities and plans for improvement.”

Ofsted comments

“Older pupils develop a good understanding of what they read. Leaders promote a love of reading and pupils say the school provides them with high-quality texts.”

Ofsted comments

“Teachers plan interesting activities that motivate the pupils. Staff ensure that all pupils are valued and included in learning.”

Ofsted comments

“Governors are ambitious for the school. They challenge and support leaders effectively.”

Ofsted comments

“The quality of teaching at Walkington Primary is underpinned by warm and caring
relationships between staff and pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“The broad curriculum provides a wide range of enriching experiences for pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“Improvements in the teaching of mathematics have helped to increase pupils’ progress and improve pupils’ ability to solve mathematical
problems.”

Ofsted comments