We offer a broad Physical Education curriculum that aims to meet the needs of ALL pupils at the Willows School.

At The Willows School, our Physical Education (PE) curriculum is designed to support pupils in developing a lifelong engagement with physical activity through a carefully structured journey from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4.

In Key Stage 2, the focus is on understanding how the body moves through targeted development of agility, balance, and coordination. Pupils engage in a wide range of activities and games that build the fine and gross motor skills essential for participation in sport. These fundamental movement skills lay the groundwork for more complex physical activities as pupils progress through school. In addition, pupils access swimming lessons each year, starting from Class L1, where they build water confidence, develop swimming ability, and learn essential water safety skills. All children take part in a dedicated water safety session as part of the swimming programme.

In Key Stage 3, pupils apply these skills within both team games and individual sports. This stage introduces the concepts of competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship—learning how to win and lose respectfully. Pupils begin to develop an understanding of rules, tactics, and movement patterns, and are introduced to the principles of health and fitness, learning how physical activity contributes to overall well-being. This includes exploring the effects of exercise on the body and the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle.

By Key Stage 4, pupils take on more advanced roles with a focus on leadership and personal development. They work towards achieving Level 1 Sports Leadership accreditation, using their accumulated experience to plan and deliver sports sessions to younger pupils. Pupils also access our school gym, where they learn how to follow structured exercise programmes safely and effectively, gaining knowledge of gym equipment, training principles, and safe practice. In addition, they have the opportunity to gain their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, building on the orienteering and outdoor skills developed in Key Stage 3. This stage supports independence, resilience, and equips pupils with essential life skills beyond the classroom.

In Post-16, pupils continue their physical development by accessing sport in the community, using local facilities such as boxing gyms, fitness centres, and leisure providers to engage in a broader range of physical activity and experience real-world fitness environments. They work towards achieving a Level 2 Sports Leadership qualification, which includes opportunities to plan and lead sporting events in the wider community. Pupils also have the chance to take part in the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, building on their previous experiences and further developing their independence, teamwork, and outdoor adventure skills.

Our PE curriculum is underpinned by the belief that physical activity should be enjoyable, inclusive, and empowering, providing every pupil with the opportunity to thrive physically, socially, and emotionally.