English National Curriculum

KS1: Physical Education

National Curriculum of England Hands-On Education Activity
PE2/1.1 Sport & Games
    PE1/1.1a master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and co-ordination, and begin to apply these in a range of activities
    PE1/1.1b participate in team games, developing simple tactics for attacking and defending
    • This aspect of the curriculum deals with team sports. This could be playing a game of tag; or taking part in an organised sport such as gymnastics or football.

    • KS1 Forest School Games - Activity 2, 6
    PE1/1.1c perform dances using simple movement patterns
    PE1/1.2 Swimming and water safety
      PE1/1.2a swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres
      • swimming not covered
      PE1/1.2b use a range of strokes effectively
      • swimming not covered
      PE1/1.2c perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations
      • swimming not covered
      My Healthy Body Topic

      How does Hands-On Education help fulfil my KS1 PE curriculum requirements?

      Hands-On Education provides a comprehensive approach to fulfilling KS1 PE curriculum requirements through a variety of engaging activities. The curriculum covers fundamental movement skills like running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and coordination. Activities such as Forest School Games help children master basic movements and participate in team games. The Human Body and My Healthy Body units incorporate physical activities that develop motor skills while teaching about health and the body. Additionally, music activities allow children to perform simple dance movements. This multi-faceted approach ensures that children develop the physical competence, confidence, and skills outlined in the national curriculum for KS1 PE.

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      What are some creative themes I can use for KS1 PE lessons?

      Forest School Games Activity

      Creative Themes for KS1 PE Lessons

      • Animal Adventures: Have students move like different animals (e.g. hop like frogs, slither like snakes, gallop like horses)
      • Pirate's Treasure: Set up a treasure hunt obstacle course where students have to cross the "sea" to retrieve "gold" while avoiding "pirates"
      • Superhero Training: Design activities around superhero powers like super speed, strength, and agility
      • Outer Space Exploration: Create movement games simulating low gravity environments or planet hopping
      • Fairy Tale Fitness: Base activities on popular stories (e.g. climbing Jack's beanstalk, escaping the giant's castle)
      • Circus Skills: Introduce simple juggling, balancing, and acrobatic movements
      • Seasons and Weather: Adapt activities to mimic seasonal changes or weather patterns (e.g. "melting" in summer, "freezing" in winter)
      • Under the Sea: Design games around marine life movements and ocean-themed obstacles
      • Jungle Expedition: Create an adventure course with climbing, swinging, and balancing elements
      • Time Travel Olympics: Combine historical themes with athletic events from different time periods

      These themes can be used to make fundamental movement skills more engaging and fun for KS1 students while still meeting curriculum requirements.

      What are the key objectives for teaching PE in Key Stage 1?

      Athletics Activity

      The key objectives for teaching Physical Education (PE) in Key Stage 1 focus on developing fundamental movement skills and promoting physical activity. The main aims are:

      1. To master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and co-ordination. These foundational skills form the basis for more complex physical activities as children progress.

      2. To participate in team games, developing simple tactics for attacking and defending. This helps children learn to work cooperatively and understand basic game strategies.

      3. To perform simple movement patterns and dances using simple movement patterns. This develops children's ability to express themselves through movement and enhances their coordination.

      4. To be physically active for sustained periods of time, promoting health and fitness. The curriculum aims to instil habits of regular physical activity from an early age.

      5. To develop competence in a broad range of physical activities, fostering confidence and enjoyment in movement.

      6. To engage in competitive and cooperative physical activities, building character and embedding values such as fairness and respect.

      These objectives are designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in physical education, supporting children's overall development and encouraging a lifelong engagement with physical activity and sport.

      How can I assess the development of persistence and resilience in my students?

      Forest School Games Activity

      Assessing Persistence and Resilience in Students

      Assessing the development of persistence and resilience in students is crucial for supporting their overall growth and academic success. Here are some effective methods to evaluate these qualities:

      1. Use Validated Assessment Scales

      • Brief Resilience Scale (BRS): This scale measures the ability to bounce back from stress and has high reliability.
      • Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC): Widely used to measure resilience, particularly the 10-item version.
      • Academic Resilience Scale (ARS-30): Specifically designed for educational contexts, measuring perseverance, adaptive help-seeking, and emotional response to academic challenges.

      2. Implement Observational Assessments

      Use a School Based Resilience Assessment Tool to evaluate students across different domains:

      • Attachment/Secure Base
      • Education
      • Friendships
      • Talents and interests
      • Positive Values
      • Social Competencies

      3. Track Behavioural Indicators

      Monitor and record specific behaviors that indicate persistence and resilience:

      • Willingness to attempt challenging tasks
      • Ability to seek help when needed
      • Adaptation to feedback
      • Reflection on difficulties and problem-solving attempts

      4. Encourage Self-Assessment

      Have students evaluate their own resilience and persistence through:

      • Reflective journaling
      • Goal-setting exercises
      • Self-rating scales on specific resilience factors

      5. Analyze Academic Performance Patterns

      Look for trends in:

      • Improvement over time, especially after setbacks
      • Consistency in effort across different subjects
      • Willingness to attempt more challenging work

      6. Conduct Regular Check-ins

      Schedule one-on-one meetings with students to discuss:

      • Their perceived challenges and coping strategies
      • Progress towards personal and academic goals
      • Areas where they feel they've shown resilience

      By combining these assessment methods, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your students' persistence and resilience development. Remember to use this information to provide targeted support and celebrate their growth in these crucial areas.

      What are some effective ways to teach aiming and throwing skills in PE?

      Athletics Activity

      Teaching aiming and throwing skills in PE can be accomplished through a variety of effective methods. Here are some key strategies:

      Start with proper technique instruction. Break down the throwing motion into simple cues like "face your target", "arm looks like a lowercase 'l'", and "swing, step, throw" (always stepping with the opposite foot). Using easy-to-remember cues helps students grasp the fundamental mechanics of throwing.

      Provide a variety of objects to throw. Using different balls with varying weights and diameters helps students understand how these factors affect throwing distance and speed. Start with softer objects like foam balls, yarn balls, and beanbags to build confidence before progressing to harder balls.

      Focus on distance and velocity before accuracy. When children are learning to throw, emphasize throwing as hard and far as possible rather than aiming for accuracy. This approach helps develop a mature throwing form without the constraints of precision.

      Use throwing stations to practice skills. Set up multiple stations with different activities, such as throwing through hula hoops, knocking balls off cones, or hitting wall targets. This variety keeps students engaged and allows them to practice different aspects of throwing.

      Incorporate games and challenges. Activities like "Hit the Wall Take a Step Back" or "Throw 3x, Jog a Lap" make practice fun and competitive. These games encourage repetition and gradual skill progression.

      Utilize target practice. Games like cornhole or bean bag toss can help students improve their aiming skills in an enjoyable way. Varying the distance and size of targets can accommodate different skill levels[5].

      Remember to adapt activities to your students' ability levels, equipment needs, and space limitations. By using these methods, you can create an engaging and effective environment for teaching aiming and throwing skills in PE class.

      How can I make PE lessons more inclusive for all students?

      Forest School Games Activity

      Making PE Lessons More Inclusive for All Students

      Creating inclusive physical education lessons is crucial for ensuring all students can participate and benefit from physical activity. Here are some effective strategies to make your PE lessons more inclusive:

      1. Offer a Variety of Activities

      Provide a broad and balanced PE program that goes beyond traditional sports. Include activities like dance, yoga, and adventure activities to cater to diverse interests and abilities.

      2. Adapt Activities Using the STEP Tool

      Use the STEP (Space, Task, Equipment, People) model to modify activities:

      • Space: Adjust the size of play areas
      • Task: Simplify or challenge rules as needed
      • Equipment: Use different sized or textured balls
      • People: Vary group sizes or roles within activities

      3. Provide Multiple Levels of Challenge

      Offer at least three levels of challenge in each activity, allowing students to work at their optimal level. This approach ensures that all students can participate successfully, regardless of their abilities.

      4. Create a Supportive Environment

      Foster a positive classroom culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Use inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and address any bullying or discrimination immediately.

      5. Focus on Cooperation Over Competition

      Shift the emphasis from winning to cooperation, participation, and personal growth. Celebrate individual progress, teamwork, and the joy of movement itself.

      6. Use Peer Helpers

      Enlist skilled students as peer helpers or "private trainers" to assist students who may need extra support.

      7. Adapt Equipment

      Modify equipment to facilitate success for all students. For example, use larger, softer balls or lower basketball hoops.

      8. Provide Choice

      Allow students to choose their level of challenge and personalize their learning experience. This empowers students and increases engagement.

      9. Celebrate Diversity

      Embrace different body types, cultural backgrounds, and forms of self-expression through movement.

      By implementing these strategies, you can create a more inclusive PE environment where all students feel welcome, engaged, and able to participate fully in physical activities.

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