Intent

The staff at Bramford believe that the intent behind teaching Physical Education is to give ALL children the tools and understanding required to make a positive impact on their physical health and emotional well-being. We want all children to experience a wide variety of sports and physical skills which will enhance lifelong fitness and life choices. PE can challenge and promote self-esteem through the development of physical confidence and problem-solving. It can teach children to cope with both success and failure in competitive individual and team-based physical activities. It should give them the opportunity to express themselves through a variety of fun opportunities in a safe and supportive environment.

“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.” Michael Jordan

Implementation

Having adopted Complete PE we ensure that all children receive a broad and balanced curriculum as it supports Bramford in planning and implementing high-quality PE teaching. It comprises of sequences of learning for Foundation, KS1 and KS2 which continually builds on skills that allow children to grow and develop.

At Bramford, children receive 2 hours of PE each week that is delivered by a specialist teacher, covering different skills each half term. In addition, we widen their horizons by offering a variety of extra-curricular activities for all year groups covering a number differing of opportunities, from mixed activity clubs to sport-specific clubs like Football & Netball.

Each term the clubs are linked to the School Games competition opportunities, giving the children the opportunity to practise and develop the skills and gain the confidence that may be needed to move onto competition level. The sessions are intentionally given non-sports-specific names in an attempt to make them less intimidating and encourage participation. Similarly, we ensure that children are able to take part in a range of levels of competition by participating in Engage, Inspire and Compete events offered by Black Country Active.

Alongside the inter-school competitions offered by School Games, we also participate in events across the Griffin Schools Trust, including the two-day Griffin Sports Festival and hub events. These give our children the chance to meet other like-minded Griffins in an array of sporting activities and replicate great occasions such as the Olympics or Commonwealth Games. In addition to inter-school competitions we are aiming to develop a greater sense of pride and belonging in the house teams Himley, Castle, Abbey and Wrens Nest by introducing a number of intra-school events.

As well as our Griffin partnerships, we have built links with our wider community and are very proud of our connection with the Wolves Foundation, who have used football to work successfully with individuals on developing their self-esteem, promoting positive attitudes and creating positive role models. Similarly, they have helped us to target the less active children in our school and those family groups for whom repeated travel by creating an environment where our children feel comfortable exercising and showing them ways that they can stay active at home and in school. Their support will continue by mentoring all staff and increasing the confidence of all teachers in delivering PE lessons.

We are always actively seeking to make connections with community groups and have invited local hockey, karate and tennis clubs into school to provide taster sessions.

Bramford believes that all children should have the opportunity to lead and our Sports Leaders are an integral part of our PE team. As a result of their training, they are able to set up and assist with leading simple games and activities which helps them develop important life skills such as organising, communicating effectively with others and working with others. Learners display increased self-confidence and self-esteem as they take on the responsibility of leading their peers and younger children. In addition, our leaders participate in School Parliament meetings where they share pupil voice on PE.

The importance of Physical Education is recognised throughout all members of the Bramford family from pupils and staff to parents and governors. We celebrate every child’s achievement through social media, regular newsletters, praise assemblies and display boards around the school. Being active is embedded in the whole curriculum and not just PE.

Impact

Each child leaves Bramford with a sense of belonging and displaying a confident and positive attitude towards sport. They will take the skills they have learnt into their next adventure, where they will demonstrate sportsmanship, resilience, and a belief that they can achieve. They will lead an active lifestyle where they will promote health and wellbeing but most importantly, they will showcase their talent and passion for sport.