Curriculum

Physical Education

Our Commitment

We believe that physical activity plays a vital role in supporting children's health, wellbeing and overall development. As a child-centred, safe and inclusive school, we encourage every child to participate, enjoy being active and develop the confidence and skills needed to lead healthy and active lives.

Physical Education is one of the six Areas of Learning within the Northern Ireland Curriculum. Through a broad and balanced programme of activities, pupils develop physical competence, coordination, teamwork, resilience and an understanding of the importance of healthy lifestyles.

We strive to ensure that every child feels known, valued and supported in Physical Education, while also being challenged to develop their skills, confidence and achieve their full potential.

Our Aim

Through Physical Education, we aim to:

Promote healthy and active lifestyles.
Develop physical skills, coordination and fitness.
Foster confidence, resilience and perseverance.
Encourage teamwork, cooperation and respect for others.
Help children understand the importance of physical activity for wellbeing.
Provide opportunities for every child to experience success and achievement.

Learning Through Physical Education

At Richmount Primary School, we provide a wide range of enjoyable and engaging physical activities that encourage children to develop their skills, improve their fitness and gain confidence in their abilities.

Our PE programme helps pupils to:

Develop movement and coordination skills.
Improve strength, balance and agility.
Work independently and collaboratively.
Set goals and challenge themselves.
Learn the value of fair play and respect for others.
Develop positive attitudes towards health and wellbeing.

Above all, we want children to enjoy being active and develop habits that will support their physical and mental wellbeing throughout their lives.

What Children Learn

Children have opportunities to develop knowledge, understanding and skills across a range of areas including:

Athletics: Pupils develop fundamental movement skills through running, jumping and throwing activities while improving speed, coordination and endurance.
Games: Children learn key skills such as sending, receiving, travelling and team play. They develop cooperation, communication and strategic thinking while participating in a variety of games and sporting activities.
Gymnastics: Pupils develop balance, control, flexibility and coordination through individual and group sequences, learning how to move safely and confidently.
Dance: Dance provides opportunities for children to express themselves creatively through movement while developing rhythm, coordination and confidence.
Swimming: Pupils in Key Stage 2 have opportunities to develop water confidence and swimming skills, helping them stay safe and active in and around water.

Health and Wellbeing

Physical Education makes an important contribution to children's physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

Through participation in PE, pupils learn:

The benefits of regular physical activity.
The importance of teamwork and cooperation.
How to manage success and challenge positively.
Ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The value of perseverance, determination and resilience.

These experiences help children develop confidence and self-esteem while promoting positive attitudes towards health and wellbeing.

Participation and Achievement

At Richmount Primary School, we believe that Physical Education should be enjoyable and accessible for all children. Our inclusive approach ensures that every child has opportunities to participate, develop skills and experience success regardless of ability.
Through progressively challenging activities, pupils build confidence in their own abilities while discovering new talents and interests.

Working Together

Families play an important role in encouraging healthy and active lifestyles. We encourage children to participate in physical activity both in and outside school and to enjoy opportunities for recreation, exercise and sport with family and friends.
By working together within our school community, we can help every child develop the confidence, resilience and healthy habits needed to flourish both now and in the future.

PE and Safety

To ensure the safety of all pupils during Physical Education lessons, only stud earrings should be worn to school. Earrings should be removed before PE lessons or covered appropriately. If a child has recently had their ears pierced and cannot remove their earrings, a note should be provided to inform the school.