• A broad and balanced physical education curriculum provides for pupils’ increasing self-confidence in their ability to manage themselves and their bodies within a variety of movement situations.
• Pupil voice plays a key role in the activities experienced within the PE curriculum, promoting a broad base knowledge, skills and understanding across a wide variety of sports and activities.  PE encourages the development of independent life-long learners with children responding appropriately and sympathetically to others, irrespective of their age, gender, cultural or ethnic background.
• The activities offered and the teaching approaches adopted provide pupils with opportunities to develop their creative and expressive abilities, through improvisation and problem-solving. Pupils are encouraged to appreciate the importance of a healthy and fit body, and begin to understand those factors that affect health and fitness.

Overview of the PE Curriculum 2014/15

Swimming

Swimming is an essential part of the PE curriculum.  As well as the benefits to children’s health and fitness it develops confidence, stamina and persistence.  Children are also taught how to keep safe in water and how to behave while at the pool.  Swimming is also a statutory requirement of the Key Stage 2 curriculum (please refer to the Physical Education, Key Stage 2 Programme of Study and QCA Scheme of Work for further requirements).

When will swimming be taught?

At Nightingale Primary School, the swimming curriculum is taught in Years 4 and 5.  Children are provided with one lesson per week throughout the academic year of swimming.  The Head of PE / supervising adults and swimming instructor keep records so that children’s progress can be reported to parents and achievements recognised.

Who will swim

It is expected that all children will participate in swimming lessons.  Any medical needs will be catered for as appropriate.  Should there be a medical reason why a child should not swim we would expect this to be supported by a medical certificate or request.

Where will children swim

Children will swim at the Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich.  Transport to and from the pool is included in the costs to school for swimming provision.

What will children need?

Children will need a suitable swimming costume and a towel in a plastic bag or swimming bag.  Loose, baggy shorts are not suitable for boys.  Any children with long hair will need to have it covered by a swimming hat.  All jewellery, including earrings must be removed.  Any jewellery that cannot be removed must be covered with a plaster. NightingalePrimary Schoolcomplies with the Waterfront Leisure Centre regulations.