Physical Education

The purpose of the United Learning Physical Education and Health curriculum is to provide a knowledge-rich curriculum that develops pupils’ physical, mental, and social health, and ensures that being active forms part of their life-long identity.

The curriculum is driven by the three themes: performance, leadership, and health. These themes form a framework which is designed to progressively improve pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding, whilst building their character and leadership skills, and provide opportunities to show their creative flair. The curriculum framework sets out the learning to be undertaken by pupils; each school then designs their own, unique curriculum to meet the needs of their pupils and reflect their local context.

The principles of the PE curriculum

Here we explore the John Roan curriculum principles in the context of the PE curriculum:

  • Entitlement: The curriculum allows pupils to develop the confidence to excel in a broad range of physical activities, through PE, school sport and physical activity. The provision of each school will be accessible and equitable for all pupils. It will actively seek to overcome any barriers to participation which young people may face because of their race, gender identity or any aspect of SEND.
  • Coherence: In addition to the National Curriculum, our curriculum seeks to build aspects of pupils’ character including resilience and empathy, as well as skills in leadership, decision-making and problem-solving. 
  • Mastery: Through the curriculum pupils become physically skilful young people with the knowledge and understanding in the areas of performance, leadership, and health, to succeed at Key Stage 3 and transition to Key Stage 4 study. These skills will develop year on year and will transfer into their academic life and endure into adulthood.
  • Adaptability: The curriculum framework allows each school to reflect their distinctive identity in the activities they offer pupils. The curriculum also enables pupils to be independently active outside of school through digital resources, virtual challenges and competitions, weekly physical activity timetables and links to other online providers.
  • Representation: The curriculum is supported by our Diversity and Inclusion pledge. The aim is for the provision in schools to be as inclusive as possible. This includes ensuring there is diverse representation throughout.
  • Education with character: The curriculum seeks to develop aspects of character, such as resilience, the spirit of fair play, empathy, and the confidence to perform under pressure. A pupil’s experience of physical education in school should increase their self-confidence and their ability to trust in others.

United Learning comprises: United Learning Ltd (Registered in England No: 00018582. Charity No. 313999) UCST (Registered in England No: 2780748. Charity No. 1016538) and ULT (Registered in England No. 4439859. An Exempt Charity). Companies limited by guarantee.
Registered address: United Learning, Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.

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