Physical Education

Intent

Physical Education is about far more than winning games. It inspires young people to lead healthy, active lives while developing the confidence, resilience, and determination to overcome challenges. At Our Lady’s, we believe that every pupil should experience the enjoyment of physical activity, discover their strengths and recognise the value of perseverance, teamwork, and personal achievement.

“Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.”  John F. Kennedy

Our broad and ambitious curriculum enables pupils to develop physical competence across a wide range of individual and team activities while building an understanding of tactics, strategy, and healthy lifestyles. As pupils grow in knowledge and skill, they also develop self-confidence, independence, and the motivation to achieve their personal best, whatever their starting point.

Rooted in our Catholic ethos, Physical Education provides daily opportunities to live out the values of compassion, integrity, respect, and service. Through teamwork, leadership and fair play, pupils learn to encourage others, compete with humility, and recognise that true success is measured not only by results but also by character. Sport becomes a powerful way of developing the virtues that will guide pupils throughout their lives.

Success in Physical Education looks different for every young person. Skilled teaching, thoughtful challenge, and carefully planned support ensure that all pupils experience achievement, develop confidence and recognise the value of perseverance, commitment, and teamwork.

Our curriculum encourages pupils to take ownership of their progress through clear learning goals and regular opportunities to reflect on their development. As their skills improve, they become increasingly confident in evaluating performance, setting personal targets, and recognising that perseverance and consistent effort are key to long-term success.

Learning extends far beyond curriculum lessons through an extensive programme of clubs, fixtures, competitions, and recreational activities. Pupils are encouraged to represent the school with pride, explore new interests, and enjoy the many benefits of belonging to a sporting community. Many achieve success at district, regional and county level, while others simply discover a lifelong enjoyment of being active.

The PRICELESS qualities that underpin our curriculum—problem solving, resilience, independence, communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, evaluation, self-confidence, and sociability—prepare pupils for a wide range of future pathways. Whether pursuing careers in sport, healthcare, education, the emergency services, business, or any profession where teamwork and leadership are valued, pupils leave with the confidence and character to thrive.

The impact of Physical Education is evident not only in improved performance but also in the attitudes pupils develop along the way. Encouragement, reflection and shared success nurture resilience, self-belief, and respect for others, helping young people understand that personal growth is built through commitment and determination.

Being One of Ours means showing courage in challenge, humility in success and resilience in the face of setbacks. Through Physical Education, pupils discover that healthy bodies, strong character, and supportive relationships enable them to flourish both in sport and in life. We want every young person to leave Our Lady’s with the confidence to embrace challenge, the determination to achieve their goals and a lifelong commitment to health and wellbeing.

Curriculum Map