Physical Education at Herne Junior School

At Herne Junior School, we believe that Physical Education is a vital part of every child’s development. Our vision is to inspire all pupils to enjoy being active, understand the benefits of physical activity, and develop the confidence and skills needed for lifelong participation. PE is not just about sport, it is about building resilience, teamwork, and a sense of achievement that supports both physical and mental wellbeing.

Intent

Our intent is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that meets and exceeds the expectations of the National Curriculum. Through the GetSet4PE scheme, we ensure that every child experiences a wide range of activities, from gymnastics and dance to athletics, games, and outdoor adventurous challenges. We aim to develop physical literacy and fundamental movement skills while promoting fairness, respect, and perseverance. Our curriculum is inclusive and ambitious: we provide targeted support for pupils with gross motor needs, confidence-building programmes for those who find PE challenging, and Greater Depth opportunities for pupils who show exceptional promise, with a particular focus on encouraging girls in sport. Swimming is an essential part of our provision, and we ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to meet the 25-metre requirement by the end of Year 6.

Implementation

Our PE curriculum is delivered through high-quality teaching and a rich programme of opportunities. Lessons are taught confidently by our class teachers and supported by our dedicated sports specialist, ensuring expertise and consistency across all year groups. Every child enjoys two hours of purposeful physical activity each week, supported by GetSet4PE’s progressive schemes of work. Beyond the classroom, pupils can access a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities, from football and netball to dance and speed stacking. We run termly house competitions that bring the whole school together in friendly rivalry, covering activities as diverse as darts, benchball, and dance. Our pupils also take part in the Herne Bay & East Kent Coastal School Sports Partnership, where they compete at a high level and have achieved notable success, particularly in football. Leadership is a key part of our approach: our Sports Leaders and Captains help organise intra-school competitions and promote active play during lunchtimes, fostering responsibility and teamwork. Swimming lessons for Year 4 and catch-up sessions for Year 6 ensure that every child has the chance to succeed in water safety and swimming proficiency.

Impact

The impact of our approach is clear. Pupils at Herne Junior School enjoy PE and participate enthusiastically in lessons, clubs, and competitions. They develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging through sport. Our inclusive provision ensures that every child, regardless of ability, can experience success and progress. Many pupils achieve personal bests and demonstrate significant improvement in physical competence and fitness. Our commitment to enrichment and competition has led to outstanding achievements in local sporting events, while our leadership programme empowers pupils to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles. Swimming outcomes are strong, with the majority of pupils meeting the statutory requirements by the end of Year 6. Above all, our PE curriculum nurtures a love of physical activity that will last a lifetime.