PE
At Grafton Primary School, we believe that every child deserves to experience the joy of being active.
Physical Education is about far more than learning sporting skills or winning competitions. It is about helping children discover what they are capable of, building confidence, learning to work together and developing healthy habits that will stay with them throughout their lives.
Whether a child arrives bursting with confidence or feeling unsure about joining in, our aim is the same: to help every child feel included, supported and proud of their own progress.
Every Child Can Succeed
We know that every child starts from a different place. Some children love sport from an early age, while others need encouragement to take those first steps. Our role is to ensure that everyone experiences success.
We celebrate effort as much as achievement. We encourage children to challenge themselves, learn from mistakes and discover that perseverance often leads to progress.
- Sometimes success means scoring a goal.
- Sometimes it means encouraging a teammate.
- Sometimes it means having the confidence to try something new for the very first time.
Every achievement matters.
Learning Through Movement
Our PE curriculum is supported by the “Beyond the Physical” Scheme of Work and it aims to develop children's agility, balance, coordination and physical skills through a wide variety of sports, games and activities.
Alongside these skills, children learn qualities that are just as important:
- teamwork and communication
- resilience and determination
- leadership and responsibility
- respect and fair play
- confidence and independence
These are qualities that support children not only in PE, but across the whole curriculum and throughout their lives.
More Than Sport
Being active plays an important part in children's wellbeing and readiness to learn.
Throughout the school day, children enjoy opportunities for movement that help them refocus, re-energise and return to learning with renewed concentration. Short activity sessions and movement breaks (our 5-a-Day movement breaks) are woven into the school day because we know that active children are often happier, more engaged learners.
Children may come in upset, tired, or distracted, then five minutes later... they're ready to learn again.
PE doesn't stand apart from learning at Grafton — it supports it.
Swimming for Life
Swimming is an essential part of our curriculum and an experience every child deserves. All Year 3 and 4 children follow an intensive two-week swimming course at Cally Swimming Pool. The children swim for 1 hour each day for 2 weeks and are then assessed to check that they meet the National Curriculum’s swimming standards.
For some children, stepping into a swimming pool is exciting. For others, it can feel daunting. We understand that every child's journey is different, and we work patiently alongside them, celebrating each milestone, however small.
Sometimes, this may mean a member of staff getting into the pool with a child who is frightened of water and working with them until they are able to take their feet off the pool floor.
By the time children leave Grafton, we want them not only to have developed important swimming and water safety skills, but also to have discovered the confidence that comes from overcoming a personal challenge.
Opportunities Beyond the Lesson
Learning continues well beyond timetabled PE lessons.
Children have opportunities to take part in a wide range of clubs, festivals and competitions throughout the year, including football, basketball, cricket, tag rugby, orienteering, athletics and multi-skills events.
For some children, these experiences ignite a lifelong love of sport.
For others, they are an opportunity to represent their school, work as part of a team and discover the enjoyment of taking part.
We believe every child should have the opportunity to find an activity they enjoy.
Leadership and Responsibility
PE also provides opportunities for children to develop leadership skills.
As children grow in confidence, they are encouraged to organise equipment, support younger pupils, lead warm-ups and take responsibility for helping others.
These experiences build confidence, independence and a sense of responsibility — qualities that benefit children throughout school life.
Our Community
Physical activity brings our whole school community together.
Events such as our annual Run Grafton celebrate participation, determination and community spirit while raising valuable funds that help us invest in new equipment and opportunities for our children.
They remind us that being active is something families, staff and children can enjoy together.
PE Through Our Values
Everything we do in PE reflects the values that shape life at Grafton Primary School.
Love – Encouraging every child to discover the enjoyment of movement and physical activity.
Creativity – Exploring new games, solving problems and finding imaginative ways to move, play and learn.
Kindness – Supporting teammates, celebrating one another's achievements and ensuring nobody is left out.
Inclusion – Making sure every child, whatever their confidence or ability, feels welcomed, valued and able to succeed.
Resilience – Developing perseverance, determination and the confidence to keep trying when things become challenging.
Empowerment – Helping children believe in themselves, recognise their strengths and develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
What We Hope Every Child Takes Away
When children leave Grafton Primary School, we hope they leave with far more than improved sporting skills.
- We hope they leave knowing the value of working together.
- The confidence to take on new challenges.
- The resilience to keep going when things are difficult.
- The understanding that everyone has something to contribute.
- And, above all, the belief that being active is something to enjoy — not because you have to, but because it helps you live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life.
For me, PE isn't about finding the best athlete. It's about making sure every child finds something they enjoy, discovers what they can achieve and leaves believing in themselves. If children are smiling, encouraging one another and willing to have a go, then I know we've done our job.
PE Lead
Parents Information
PE Kit
We ask that children, on the day when they are timetabled to have their PE lessons, come to school in their Grafton PE Kit.
- T-shirt
- Jogging bottoms/leggings
- Sweatshirt
- Plimsoles or trainers
A PE T-shirt is available for purchase from the school office. These are subsidised and affordable.
Swimming Kit
Children in Years 3/4 are required to bring their Swimming Kit to all swimming lessons.
- A swimming cap, goggles, towel
- Boys should wear trunks but not ‘board shorts’
- Girls are asked to wear a one piece swimming costume
PE Days
PE days for each class is determined at the start of each term and these are communicated to the parents and children by the class teachers. This information can also be found on the class page on this website.
Documents
PE Curriculum Overview - Whole School
PE Progression of Skills - EYFS
PE Progression of Skills - Year 1
PE Progression of Skills - Year 2
PE Progression of Skills - Year 3
PE Progression of Skills - Year 4
PE Progression of Skills - Year 5
PE Progression of Skills - Year 6
Beyond the Physical - Intent, Implementation & Impact