Embracing Physical Activity: PE at Marlborough St Mary's!

Our Vision:

Marlborough St Mary’s envisions an inclusive, happy, and thriving school at the heart of our local community. Together, our families and dedicated staff guide our children to become confident, independent learners who care for themselves, each other, and the environment around them. Our mantra is simple: Be brilliant, be bold, be kind. Together, we believe, learn, and achieve.

Subject: Physical Education (PE) Lead – Rachel Haines

Intent – Our vision for PE

At Marlborough St Mary’s, our PE curriculum aims to give every child positive, meaningful experiences of physical activity and inspire a lifelong love of sport. Pupils learn that being active is essential for both physical health and mental wellbeing. They take part in a wide range of sports that build fundamental skills, fitness and confidence within a safe, inclusive and engaging environment.

Our curriculum is shaped by our four whole-school foci:
Talk – communicating clearly, discussing tactics and reflecting on performance.
Read – using written instructions, rules and athlete stories to deepen understanding.
Connection – building teamwork, cooperation and strong links with local clubs and community groups.
Joy – providing uplifting, memorable sporting moments that make children love being active.

Through competitive and collaborative opportunities, pupils learn to “win well” and “lose well,” recognise their strengths and support others. Strong community partnerships broaden opportunities and help every child thrive.

Implementation – How we teach PE

Through engaging teaching, we nurture the following essential characteristics in our young athletes:

1. A genuine interest in sports and a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
2. Knowledge of the benefits of physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.
3. A wide range of physical skills and the confidence to apply them.
4. Recognition of their strengths and weaknesses, promoting personal and team goals.
5. The experience of competition, learning to win graciously and lose with pride.

Teachers at Marlborough St Mary’s ensure that the learning objectives align with the PE progression document. Each pupil receives two lessons per week, one of which is guided by our dedicated PE coach. Lessons are designed to be creative and engaging, incorporating various teaching techniques including high-quality questioning, purposeful talk and opportunities to read instructions that support understanding of skills and tactics. Planning is inclusive, considering diverse skill levels, fitness levels, and abilities. We emphasise safety and the importance of warm-ups and cool-downs, teaching children to care for their bodies.

Children take part in a wide range of extracurricular clubs and, through our focus on Connection, all pupils experience both intra- and inter-school festivals or competitions by the end of Year 6, alongside coaching from local sports specialists.

Impact – The difference our PE makes

Our ultimate goal is for pupils to enjoy sports lessons, feel a sense of pride in their achievements, and witness improved fitness levels. We record notable moments and share achievements with parents and the wider school community, celebrating the sporting success of all our students. Through assessments and ongoing improvement, we aim to enhance the physical skills and fitness of every child, guiding them towards their 'next steps' in the world of sports.

At Marlborough St Mary’s, we believe in building a generation of active, confident, and proud individuals, valuing the importance of physical well-being and sportsmanship. Together, we strive for excellence in the realm of sports, fostering a community where every child can thrive.