Attainment Targets / Subject Content

Attainment targets

By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.

Schools are not required by law to teach the example content in [square brackets].

 

Subject content

Key stage 1

Pupils should develop fundamental movement skills, become increasingly competent and confident and access a broad range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance and coordination, individually and with others. They should be able to engage in competitive (both against self and against others) and co-operative physical activities, in a range of increasingly challenging situations.

 

Pupils should be taught to:

 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

 participate in team games, developing simple tactics for attacking and defending

 perform dances using simple movement patterns.

 

Key stage 2

Pupils should continue to apply and develop a broader range of skills, learning how to use them in different ways and to link them to make actions and sequences of movement. They should enjoy communicating, collaborating and competing with each other. They should develop an understanding of how to improve in different physical activities and sports and learn how to evaluate and recognise their own success.

Pupils should be taught to:

 

 use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination

 play competitive games, modified where appropriate [for example, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rounders and tennis], and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending

 develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance [for example, through athletics and gymnastics]

 perform dances using a range of movement patterns

 take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team

 compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best.

 

Swimming and water safety

All schools must provide swimming instruction either in key stage 1 or key stage 2.

In particular, pupils should be taught to:

 swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres

 use a range of strokes effectively [for example, front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke]

 perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations.