Longcause Physical Education Curriculum Intent Statement

Intent

What will our pupils experience throughout their PE curriculum at Longcause? 

At Longcause, we believe that effective physical development is of vital importance. We recognise that it can have a profound and positive influence upon the overall emotional, as well as physical health and well-being of our pupils.

The school’s motto ‘Learning for Life’ is a clearly reflected philosophy within our Physical Education offer.  Through careful consideration of the most vital skills a PE curriculum could offer Longcause pupils, we decided that our two foremost goals would be that every student graduating from our school has the capability to:

·  Swim at least  25 metres, unaided

·  Ride a bicycle safely and independently

Why do we want this?

We view these as important skills for life and ones which can significantly enhance the levels of independence, self-esteem and safety of our learners’ lives beyond Longcause and throughout adulthood.

Our PE curriculums offer structured learning opportunities in which to maximise the chances of these outcomes both explicitly and also through the acquiring and development of contributory skills through a breadth of activities delivered by specialist PE teachers across all year groups in the school.

We strive to offer a well-balanced, ‘rounded’ approach to PE at Longcause and central to our ethos is consideration for how we can be as inclusive as possible.

Implementation

We benefit from having specialist PE teachers delivering PE across the school. Our offer is further boosted by working with occupational therapists as well as using our link with local community groups such as Plymouth Argyle Community Trust.

Our curriculum is separated into the 5 key areas of Swimming, Cycling, Gymnastics, Fitness and Games and Outdoor Adventure and is structured across our strands as per our curriculum progression ladders. 

Impact

• All pupils will be safe in and around water, they will be able to swim for pleasure, fitness and feel confident in the water. 
• Pupils will have a good range of fundamental movement skills that will allow them to access opportunities within our community and to develop ways to self regulate. 
• Pupils will be able to ride a bike for pleasure and fitness, with the ultimate goal of them being able to use it as a mode of transport. 
• Pupils will have a good understanding of what is needed to lead a healthy, active lifestyle and have the skills and tools to access this within the community at their level. 
• Pupils will feel comfortable and confident in the outdoors, they can use walking as a means of transport, for fitness and pleasure. Pupils are encouraged to continue on the DofE pathway post 16 enhancing their sense of belonging in our wider community.