"Intelligence and skills can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong."

John F. Kennedy

Physical education is the planned, progressive learning that takes place in school curriculum timetabled time and which is delivered to all pupils. This involves both ‘learning to move’ (i.e. becoming more physically competent) and ‘moving to learn’ (e.g. learning through movement, a range of skills and understandings beyond physical activity, such as co-operating with others). The context for the learning is physical activity, with children experiencing a broad range of activities, including sport and dance. (Association for Physical Education)

Intent 

At Magdalen Court School we aim to provide a safe, positive learning environment where our learners feel they belong, can believe in themselves, developing confidence and resilience as learners. We support them to achieve the desired outcomes to be successful in their next steps on the path to the world of work and independence, well-prepared for life and adulthood, who are keen to make a difference to the world they live in.

PE sessions at Magdalen Court allow every child to develop their professional and social skills as well as their physical skills.

The three main categories of fundamental movement are: Agility, Balance and Coordination. The curriculum endorses creativity, collaboration and effort whilst simultaneously promoting the physical and social development of each and every child.

It is our aim to offer opportunities to develop physical skills of all learners as well as harbouring a life-long love of physical activity. Physical education at Magdalen Court inspires children to realise their full potential in sport, ensuring that learners of all abilities access physical activity and sustain healthy, active lives.

At Magdalen Court we want every learner to feel as though they are a member of a team, believe in their ability and potential and become as physically, socially and emotionally fit as they can be.

We aim to develop core skills and tactical awareness through various sporting activities. We are also concerned with the development of other educational qualities such as leadership, social and communicative skills, character, morals, aesthetic appreciation, problem-solving skills, along with the development of knowledge and understanding of relevant concepts.  

Structured and developmental schemes of work provide for progression, challenge and a sense of achievement. The sympathetic selection of learning experiences appropriate to pupils’ experiences, ability and maturity aims to support all pupils in the development of physical competence and promote those skills necessary to effectively plan and evaluate movement and movement-related activities safely and with confidence.  

We strongly believe that sport is for everyone, and everyone will find their passion in some way or form given through teaching and learning with nurture, encouragement, and enthusiasm.  

It is our wish that all our learners will embrace these skills and transfer them across the curriculum as well as instilling determination and resilience within school, the community and the wider world. 

Implementation 

Throughout a learner's time at Magdalen Court School, they will cover a wide range of sports and physical activities within their PE curriculum and activities programme.  

Areas covered: 

• Fundamentals: Running, Skipping, Hopping, Ball Skills

• Games: Targets, Net & Wall, Invasion, Striking & Fielding 

• Gymnastics  

• Dance  

• Fitness

• Athletics

• Yoga

• Swimming & Water safety

• Competitive Games - inter and intra-school

All of these areas aim to provide the physical skills and confidence, knowledge, and personal qualities they need for a healthy, balanced lifestyle. As well as develop a lifelong love of, and passion for, physical activity and sport.  

Each class has two timetabled lessons per week as well as the opportunities to participate in festivals, tournaments and sessions provided by external providers such as Exeter City Football Club.

Impact 

Learners will leave Magdalen Court wanting to be physically active, maintaining a lifetime involvement in sport through participation or leadership. They will have a lifelong appreciation of the benefits of regular physical activity and sport. It will enable them to socialise and participate in their community, supporting their health and wellbeing.

Careers

• Community Sports Officer
• Sports Coaching
• Sports Performance
• Sports Analysis
• Physiotherapy
• Gym instructor or PT
• Physical Activity Officer
• Teacher