PE

PE Curriculum Vision

At Purple Oaks Academy,  we believe that Physical Education (PE) is an essential part of a well-rounded education, especially for our students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Our intent is to deliver a comprehensive, inclusive PE curriculum that supports our core values of Independence, Emotional Regulation, and Communication while promoting the overall well-being of every student. The PE curriculum aims to: 

• Promote Physical Health: We encourage students to recognise the importance of an active lifestyle, helping them to develop habits for lifelong physical activity. By engaging in regular physical exercise, students learn to make healthy choices that foster independence and well-being. 

• Enhance Social and Communication Skills: Through collaborative activities, team sports, and interactive lessons, we facilitate opportunities for students to express themselves and communicate effectively. PE serves as a platform for building teamwork and fostering the communication skills needed to navigate social interactions both within and outside the school setting. 

• Foster Emotional Wellbeing and Regulation: Physical activity is utilised to support students’ emotional regulation, resilience, and self-esteem. Through structured activities, students learn to manage their emotions, build self-confidence, and develop strategies for coping with challenges, all of which encourage emotional independence. 

• Develop Motor Skills and Physical Competence: Tailored learning experiences help each student develop essential motor skills, catering to individual abilities. This ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, can engage meaningfully and build their confidence in physical activity. 

• Encourage Personal and Social Development: PE lessons are designed to support students’ holistic development, encouraging independence, confidence, and social cohesion. Students gain the ability to make decisions, set goals, and regulate their own actions within a physical context. 

Implementation 

Our PE curriculum is designed with flexibility to meet the diverse needs of our students, from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Post 16, while embedding our core values: 

• Aligned with National Curriculum, EHCp Targets, and Equals Curriculum: Our PE curriculum follows a structured scheme of work aligned with the National Curriculum and is tailored to meet the targets outlined in each student’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This ensures that we cater to the individual needs of students on various learning pathways. Additionally, the Equals Curriculum is implemented for students who require more specific, personalized learning goals, providing appropriate progression and ensuring all students, regardless of ability, can achieve their potential. 

• Differentiated Curriculum: Each lesson is customized to accommodate students' varying abilities, promoting engagement in a way that supports independence. We use differentiated tasks that respect each student's developmental needs and sensory preferences, allowing them to succeed at their own pace. 

• High-Quality Teaching and Learning: Our PE teachers are skilled in adapting lessons to meet the needs of SEN learners. They utilize various methods, such as visual aids, technology, and hands-on support, to make learning accessible. This supports the development of communication and independence, as students feel confident navigating the lesson environment. 

• Inclusive Environment: Our PE lessons are structured to be inclusive, ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and motivated to participate. We use peer mentoring and buddy systems to build collaboration and encourage positive communication within the group. By fostering an inclusive atmosphere, students also learn how to regulate their emotions in group settings. 

• Holistic Approach: We integrate subjects like health education, mathematics, and literacy into the PE curriculum, promoting well-rounded learning experiences that reinforce the importance of independence and effective communication. Students gain skills that transfer across the curriculum, supporting their overall academic and emotional development. 

• Assessment and Progress Monitoring: Ongoing formative assessment helps us track students' progress in terms of physical, emotional, and social development. Individual Development Plans (IDPs) ensure that each student is working toward personalized goals, allowing them to build independence. Regular feedback encourages students to reflect on their progress, fostering emotional regulation and self-awareness. 

• Extracurricular Opportunities: Beyond the classroom, we provide extracurricular activities that promote physical engagement and community involvement. These opportunities allow students to practice independence, explore new interests, and engage in social interactions outside of school hours. 

Impact 

The impact of our PE curriculum is measured through the development of key skills and outcomes aligned with our core values: 

• Physical Development: Students show improvement in their motor skills, coordination, and understanding of physical health, leading to increased participation in physical activities. This is a reflection of their growing independence in maintaining an active lifestyle. 

• Social Engagement and Communication: Students demonstrate improved communication and social interaction during games and group activities. Feedback from teachers and parents highlights increased confidence in navigating social situations, fostering better relationships with peers and adults. 

• Emotional Resilience and Regulation: Through PE, students develop stronger emotional regulation and resilience. Many students report improved self-esteem and a better ability to manage their emotions in challenging situations. Reflection activities help them recognize and understand their emotional responses, promoting emotional independence. 

• Academic Interconnections: Students show better retention of knowledge, particularly in health-related topics. Their awareness of well-being, fitness, and self-care grows, positively influencing their academic development and communication in other areas. 

• Student Voice: Regular surveys and focus groups confirm that students feel a sense of belonging and enjoy PE lessons. They express enthusiasm for the activities offered, reflecting the personal development of communication skills and emotional well-being. 

• Community and Parental Involvement: Strong partnerships with parents and community organizations enhance students' opportunities for engagement in sports and physical activities. These connections further promote the development of social skills and independence, extending learning beyond the classroom. 

At Purple Oaks Academy, we are committed to providing a PE curriculum that nurtures independence, emotional regulation, and communication, ensuring that our students grow into confident, well-rounded individuals who are prepared for an active and fulfilling future.