Physical Education (PE)
Black Country Schools: Physical Education (PE) Curriculum
A Curriculum That Builds Strong, Strategic, and Skilled Movers for Life
At Black Country Schools, Physical Education is a driver of personal development, character education, and whole-child well-being. Our bespoke PE curriculum is built around six key developmental ‘cogs’ that shape not only physical competence but emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and lifelong habits:
- Personal – Resilience, goal-setting, self-awareness
- Social – Teamwork, communication, collaboration
- Cognitive – Strategy, decision-making, evaluation
- Creative – Expression, invention, problem-solving
- Physical – Coordination, agility, strength, skill
- Health and Fitness – Stamina, nutrition, positive mindset
These cogs are embedded throughout all PE sessions, shaping lesson intent, dialogue, and reflection — and ensuring that physical development links directly to our values of ambition, success, perseverance, independence, respect, and excellence.
EYFS PE: Physical Development Through Literature and Play
In EYFS, PE is taught through a combination of thematic weekly texts and structured physical development sessions. The books selected each week form the basis for movement tasks, drama-inspired games, and imaginative play — linking physical development to language, story, and creativity.
Children build:
- Gross motor skills: balance, running, jumping, climbing, ball skills
- Fine motor skills: grip strength, control, precision, and early handwriting readiness
- Spatial awareness and coordination: through games, dance, and exploratory movement
PE coaches work directly with EYFS classes, supporting lessons every week. They model movement, lead games, and support children who require additional motor development practice. These sessions are fully integrated with EYFS learning themes and ensure progression towards ELGs in both physical development and expressive arts.
SEND and Individualised Physical Development
PE coaches also deliver planned weekly sessions with pupils identified for motor skills intervention or adaptive PE provision. These individual or small-group sessions are:
- Mapped to EHCP outcomes and therapy recommendations
- Targeted to improve core strength, motor control, sensory regulation, or confidence
- Integrated with wider pastoral and inclusion strategies
- Recorded and monitored using observation and pupil feedback
This ensures equity in PE access and that every pupil has a route to success in physical development.
Curriculum Structure and CUSP Lesson Model
All PE lessons across KS1 and KS2 follow a clear six-phase structure using the CUSP teaching model:
- Connect – Revisit key vocabulary and prior knowledge
- Explain – Introduce new techniques or tactics with explicit vocabulary
- Example – Model the skill, action, or game scenario
- Attempt – Structured partner or group practice
- Apply – Game-based or performance application
- Challenge – Competitive or creative extension under pressure
Lessons build both competence and confidence — enabling pupils to improve physical fluency while also developing decision-making, creativity, and reflection.
Beyond Lessons: Activity, Leadership, and Competition
- Two PE coaches lead lessons, active playtimes, fitness clubs, and targeted interventions.
- Moki bands are used across KS1 and KS2 to track steps, set class challenges, and celebrate active lifestyles.
- Inter- and intra-school competitions are structured into every half term.
- Wake Up Shake Up, playground circuits, and lunchtime sport are built into the daily timetable.
- Pupil sports leaders in Year 6 support with leading warm-ups, playground games, and equipment monitoring.
Swimming Programme
All pupils from Year 2 onwards access a structured swimming curriculum, covering water confidence, safe self-rescue, stroke development, and personal survival — mapped to the National Curriculum expectations.
Assessment and Impact
Progress is measured using:
- Observational assessment of skills, vocabulary use, and effort
- Class Moki data and engagement tracking
- End-of-unit self-assessment and reflection against the six cogs
- Competition performance and sportsmanship evaluation
Pupils leave Black Country Schools:
- Physically literate, ready to access KS3 PE with confidence
- Resilient and self-motivated, with strong teamwork and leadership habits
- Health-aware, with a positive approach to fitness, well-being, and activity for life
