At St Theresa’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that every child, regardless of age, culture, background, or ability, should experience the joy and benefits of physical education and sport. As a Catholic school, we nurture the whole child – mind, body, and spirit – recognising that physical activity plays a vital role in both physical and mental well-being.

Our aim is for all pupils to develop a lifelong love of being active, to grow in confidence as they improve their physical skills, and to understand the importance of looking after the body that God has given them. We encourage children to value teamwork, perseverance, and respect for others – qualities that reflect our Gospel values and the spirit of sportsmanship.

We want our pupils to be proud to represent St Theresa’s in school and community sporting events, and we are experienced in helping children find pathways into local sports clubs and community activities. Our lessons are inclusive, engaging, and accessible to all, enabling every child to feel successful and valued.

Curriculum Intent

Our broad and balanced PE curriculum meets the National Curriculum requirements while providing much more. We aim to:

• Develop pupils’ physical competence, confidence, and creativity.

• Promote enjoyment in being physically active and foster healthy lifestyles.

• Encourage teamwork, self-discipline, and mutual respect.

• Celebrate the uniqueness of every child, helping each to fulfil their God-given potential.

• Promote resilience and a positive attitude to challenge and personal improvement.

Through stimulating, enjoyable, and progressive learning opportunities, children at St Theresa’s build coordination, strength, flexibility, and balance. They learn to work both independently and collaboratively, showing respect and empathy for others. Our curriculum provides opportunities for every child to achieve success and develop motivation to continue improving their personal bests.

Curriculum Implementation

PE at St Theresa’s is carefully planned to ensure progression and inclusion across all year groups. Teachers deliver two hours of high-quality physical education each week, incorporating a broad range of activities such as games, dance, gymnastics, athletics, outdoor and adventurous activities, and swimming.

Early Years pupils develop their fundamental movement skills through structured play and outdoor provision. As children move through school, they revisit and build upon these skills, applying them in increasingly complex situations. Early years pupils take part in ‘Wiggle whilst you squiggle’ lesson each week which develops Fundamental Movement Skills, and they also learn to ride ‘balance bikes' whilst Year 5 children do level 1 and level 2 of the national Bikeability scheme, where they learn skills to keep themselves safe whilst cycling on the road. 

Swimming is an important part of our PE provision. All children learn to swim at a local leisure centre, with the aim that every pupil can swim at least 25 metres and understand how to stay safe in and around water before leaving Year 6.

We also offer a variety of extra-curricular clubs which vary throughout the year, including football, martial arts, netball, and multi-skills. These clubs encourage teamwork, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Sporting achievements are celebrated regularly in assemblies, newsletters, and on our school website, helping pupils to take pride in their progress and commitment.

Curriculum Impact

Assessment in PE is ongoing. Teachers observe, question, and provide feedback to support pupils’ progress within lessons and across units of work. Summative assessments at the end of each unit help identify children’s strengths and next steps.

Our commitment to inclusive practice ensures that all children make good progress, regardless of their starting point. 

We are proud of our pupils’ enthusiasm for sport. Many go on to represent St Theresa’s in inter-school competitions organised through the St Helens School Sports Partnership. Competitions include athletics, cross country, netball, football, tag rugby, dance, and dodgeball. We also celebrate participation events designed for children who are less confident or have special educational needs, ensuring every child can experience success.

Through our PE curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities, our pupils learn the importance of living active, healthy, and balanced lives. They leave St Theresa’s with the confidence, skills, and positive attitude to continue being active well beyond their primary years.

Our Aims in Physical Education

At St Theresa’s, our PE curriculum aims to:

• Develop control, coordination, and fluency in movement.

• Build confidence to perform, create, and evaluate actions.

• Encourage reflection and improvement through self and peer assessment.

• Foster teamwork, leadership, and fair play.

• Promote understanding of how physical activity benefits health and well-being.

• Instil lifelong enjoyment of physical activity and the importance of perseverance.

• Encourage respect for rules, others, and equipment.

• Develop swimming and water safety skills for all pupils.

• Celebrate every child’s achievements, no matter how small.

Our PE curriculum helps every pupil to grow in body, mind, and spirit — learning to challenge themselves, support one another.