Ackworth Howard Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior and Infant School

At Ackworth Howard, we believe a high quality PE curriculum should be an integral part of the curriculum and one that staff, pupils and parents understand and can contribute to, which is why it is included in our School Improvement Plan, displayed on the school’s website and promoted throughout the school in the form of interactive displays. 

The school recognises the values that a high quality PE and sport curriculum gives pupils. All pupils are entitled to benefit from high quality PE provision and there is significant evidence to show that this supports learning right across the curriculum. It also contributes to healthy and active lifestyles, improves emotional well-being, reduces poor behaviour, increases attendance and develops key skills such as leadership, confidence, social and team building skills. Our PE curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils develop the fundamental skills and competence to excel in a wide range of physical activities by providing a broad & balanced curriculum with opportunities for all to be enjoyed. 

A high quality PE curriculum will develop physical literacy and will allow pupils to learn about themselves, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, self-expression and concepts such as fair play and respect. It also contributes to the development of a range of important cognitive skills such as decision making and analysis, and social skills such as teamwork and communication. 

Physical education encourages pupils to be active and supports them in their understanding of how to participate safely and effectively. They understand the barriers to participation and work to overcome these for themselves and others. Our PE curriculum will be inclusive and ensure that pupils of all abilities access the range of activities we offer and that they are physically active for sustained periods of time in order to encourage them to lead healthy, active lives. There will also be opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles in which they can build character and embed values such as fairness and respect. 

Regular participation in sport and physical activity can help to reduce the risk of heart failure; improve physical fitness; help with weight management; promote good health; instill self- discipline; develop skill; improve self- confidence; reduce stress and develop lifelong learning skills. 

A high quality physical education curriculum can inspire all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. We are improving our program of intra and inter school competitions which will provide opportunities for pupils to participate in competitive sports and activities both in and beyond the curriculum. This will mean that pupils have the opportunity to participate at all of the four levels of competitive sport. 

Our mission is to improve and increase the quality and quantity of high quality PE for pupils, to show how PE can enhance pupils’ attainment     

and achievement and to create pathways for them to continue to be active beyond school. We will be developing our links to outside agencies and clubs which will help to generate positive interaction in the community. 

We are striving towards improving the delivery of the teaching & learning of PE in order to promote participation, progress and performance. ‘High quality PE and school sport produces young people with the skills, understanding, desire and commitment to continue to improve and achieve in a range of PE, sport and health-enhancing physical activities in line with their abilities’ (DCMS Learning through PE & Sport). 

At Ackworth Howard we also recognise the impact that the provision of a high quality PE and sport curriculum has and the impact this can have on school improvement.

‘Developing pupil’s personal qualities through PE can affect their attitudes towards school and learning. When PE and school sport provision is of the highest quality, all pupils will, to the best of their abilities, develop and demonstrate the following personal qualities: 

• A strong desire to learn & make progress;  
• High levels of dedication, attendance and involvement in PE and school sport;  
• High levels of commitment to PE and school sport;  
• Good levels of positive behaviour such as politeness, fair play and helpfulness; and  
• High levels of enjoyment and enthusiasm and a strong desire to get involved.’ (DCMS Learning through PE & Sport).