Physical education is taught in schools to teach children through movement, teamwork, and elements of safety. It’s an important part of the curriculum for many reasons but can often fall down the priority list behind more academic subjects.
Here, we explore what physical education is and how it benefits children of all ages.
Physical education: A definition
Physical education is a school subject where children take part in exercise, sports, and physical games with their classmates. Also known as P.E., physical education can encompass a huge range of activities, including football, netball, cricket, swimming, running, cross country, and using indoor equipment like ropes, balance beams, and trampolines.
P.E. is not only great for children due to keeping them active, but also gives them a break away from the classroom where they can burn off some energy and hopefully have fun doing something a little different.
Does my child have to do physical education?
Some children might not like the idea of doing physical education. This could be because they feel uncomfortable getting changed around their classmates, think they’re not very good at sport, are worried they won’t get picked for teams, or simply don’t enjoy exercise.
P.E. is part of the National Curriculum which means all schools run by their local authority must include P.E. lessons. Free schools and academies aren’t required to follow the National Curriculum but do need to show they’re offering a good balance, so P.E. is typically offered.
Physical education includes such a broad range of sports and games that your child is sure to enjoy it once they overcome any worries they have.
Physical education by key stage
Physical education requirements are broken down by key stage, so children can increase their skills and knowledge as they move through school. For example:
Key stage 1
In key stage one (age 5 to 7), children will work on the following during their P.E. lessons:
- Agility
- Balance
- Coordination
- Team games
- Dance
Key stage 2
In key stage 2 (age 7 to 11), children will continue to develop their key stage 1 skills and start to:
- Make movement sequences
- Communicate and collaborate
- Compete against others
- Recognise success
- Develop flexibility and strength
- Demonstrate improvement
Key stage 3
In key stage 3 (age 11 to 14) children may start to show an interest in certain aspects of P.E. They will continue to expand on physical skills in the following ways:
- Become more confident in their skills
- Understand what makes a good performance
- Use tactics and strategies in competitive sports
- Display advanced dance techniques
- Teamwork and problem solving
- Take part in physical activities outside of school
Key stage 4
In key stage 4 (age 14 to 16), children will be coming to the end of their mandatory education and will hopefully be showing an interest in keeping fit through playing sports and other physical activities. Key stage 4 P.E focuses on:
- Tackling challenging physical activities
- Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle
- Building trust as a team
- Evaluating performance
- Taking part in physical activity outside of school
At the Sport and Health Academy, we help children hit these milestones and enjoy P.E., bringing out the best in them and helping them to find the aspects of physical education they love.
Find out about the after-school clubs, lunchtime sessions, and coaching we offer.
