Physical Education

Intent

Our high-quality Physical Education curriculum aims to inspire all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. It enables pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness and promotes lifelong physical activity. PE offers opportunities for pupils to compete in sport and other activities, building character and helping to embed values such as fairness, respect and teamwork.

Through a varied, inclusive, and progressive curriculum, pupils are taught to develop physical literacy, master key movement skills, and understand how physical activity contributes to a healthy lifestyle. They are encouraged to challenge themselves, work both independently and collaboratively, and reflect on their own and others' performances.

Implementation

At Riversdale Primary School, pupils engage in two hours of Physical Education (PE) each week with their class teacher and/or our specialist PE teacher. As part of their regular PE lessons, pupils participate in swimming lessons, aimed at ensuring all children become confident swimmers by the end of Year 6. For EYFS and KS1 this is weekly, whilst in KS2, this is blocked into half terms. 

Our PE curriculum is designed to encourage creative expression and problem-solving, with activities that challenge pupils to explore movement through improvisation. We promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle by helping pupils understand the factors that affect both physical health and fitness. We also offer a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including workshops and collaborations with external agencies such as Chelsea FC, All Star Tennis, the Wimbledon Tennis Foundation, Harlequin Rugby Coaches, The Bikeability Scheme, and Pineapple Dance Studios. These partnerships enhance pupils' enjoyment and engagement in sport, while providing teachers with professional development to improve their PE teaching skills.

In addition to physical skill development, we provide opportunities for older pupils to take on leadership roles. Year 6 pupils are encouraged to lead activities, whether in PE lessons, after-school clubs, or lunchtime sessions. These experiences help them develop responsibility, teamwork, and communication skills, while deepening their understanding of the value of organisation and respect for rules.

This structured approach to PE ensures that all pupils not only gain physical competence, but also learn vital life skills that promote both personal growth and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.

     

Swimming at Riversdale

At Riversdale Primary School, children from Reception up to Year 6 undertake regular swimming lessons. For those in the younger years, these take place in the on-site pool with our qualified sports/PE specialist. Older children will visit a local swimming pool, to take the skills they have learnt and develop these further.
 
Below you will find the most up-to-date swimming results for Year 6. These will change over the course of the year, as children continue to have swimming lessons.
  • Percentage of Year 6 cohort that can swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres - 81%

  • Percentage of Year 6 cohort that can use a range of strokes effectively (for example, front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke) - 79%
  • Percentage of Year 6 cohort that can perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations - 90%

Curriculum Policy

Please find our Physical Education policy below:

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    Riversdale Primary School
    302A Merton Road
    Wandsworth London
    SW18 5JP

    0208 874 6904
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