Curriculum Leader – Matthew Downey

The Physical Education Department at Arbour Vale School is committed to delivering high quality physical education, school sport, and leadership opportunities. We believe passionately in using the power of physical activity and sport to improve the lives of our young people.  Physical Education at Arbour Vale School is designed to make a positive, unique and vital contribution to each individual’s education. This is achieved through a broad range of experiences and challenges and is delivered in a safe and supportive environment.

PE aims

The National Curriculum for Physical Education aims to ensure that all pupils:

– develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
– are physically active for sustained periods of time
– engage in competitive sports and activities
– lead healthy, active lives

PE at Arbour Vale School also aims to:

– Motivate pupils in other curriculum areas as regards their general level of skills, knowledge, aptitude, resilience and behaviour; embedding the Olympic and Paralympic Values across different areas of the school.
– Promote the use of literacy and numeracy in context.
– Develop a positive attitude and confidence to get involved.
– Develop pupil’s co-operation, teamwork and communication skills.
– Develop pupil’s leadership and decision making skills.

Pupils with profound and complex learning difficulties engage in a very holistic approach to learning.  Learning activities for these pupils specifically include swimming, and rebound therapy, as well as aspects of the activities identified for their phase of learning

EYFS

Pupils in the Early Years are engaged in a range of physical development activities every day. PE teachers work with staff in the phase to enable the children to develop control and co-ordination through exploration and take part in physical exercise.  This is undertaken through a range of activities including swimming, which are fun, engaging and multi-sensory.

Key Stage 1 and 2

Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils follow the National Curriculum which is adapted to meet their needs.

The focus in Key Stage 1 is Physical Literacy, developing fundamental skills (running, jumping, throwing and catching), with opportunities to develop agility, balance and co-ordination. They participate in multi-skills and team games/ skills sessions. They also have the opportunity to perform simple dance movements and gymnastic styled routines as well as Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA). Swimming lessons take place for all pupils and focus on water confidence.

The emphasis in Key Stage 2 continues to be the development of pupil’s physical literacy and fundamental skills. There is a focus upon independent learning, working together and developing communication; where pupils also recognise their continuing success and the success of others. They play competitive/ co-operative, modified games based upon multi-skills and ball skills. Simple tactics are taught and applied as appropriate. Pupils take part in dance, athletics and OAA. Swimming lessons take place for all pupils at this phase of learning and focus on water confidence and for some structured swimming is taught.

Key Stage 3 and 4

Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils follow the National Curriculum which is adapted to meet their needs. In Key Stages 3 and 4 pupils extend their physical development and skills. Pupils develop their confidence, extend skills and tactical awareness, as well as develop their evaluative skills in a range of activities to overcome either individual challenges or opponents in team games. Pupils take part in a range of activities including, health and fitness, basketball, unihoc, football, tag rugby, table tennis, tennis, badminton, volleyball, T-Ball, cricket, boccia, new age kurling, handball athletics, gymnastics, dance and OAA. Swimming is timetabled for some pupils in these phases of learning.

In Key Stage 4 there is the opportunity to gain unit awards in a variety of activities. In Key Stage 4 pupils undertake a range of qualifications including: Sports Leaders and the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. These qualifications further develop independent learning, organisational and leadership skills.

Post 16

At Post 16 the students are taught PE as part of the curriculum as well as via the option programme. There is a significant emphasis on independent living skills at this stage and the focus for PE is to engage in recreational sport and physical activity within the community to keep themselves fit and healthy.  Where students express an interest in working within the field of Sport and Leisure, the PE department support pupils in work experience both in and out of school.

Our aim is for pupils to leave Arbour Vale with a view to have a lifelong love for physical activity.