PE

Kindergarten PE: Building the Foundations of Physical Literacy 

PE in the Kindergarten is all about developing the building blocks of movement in a fun, active, and engaging way. At this age, children are naturally energetic and curious, and PE at Gad’s HIll harnesses that energy to develop physical literacy—the confidence, competence, and motivation to move effectively. 

Lessons focus on fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, balancing, throwing, and catching. These are taught through imaginative play and simple games that promote body awareness, coordination, and control in a supportive, inclusive environment. 

More than just physical development, EYFS PE also nurtures important social and emotional skills. Activities encourage children to work together, take turns, listen, and follow instructions—essential foundations for both school and life. 

By embedding these movement patterns early, children are better prepared for more structured PE in Key Stage 1 and beyond. The ability to balance, move with control, and respond to others in a game setting sets them up for future success in sports, dance, and gymnastics. 

Through play, exploration, and encouragement, our youngest pupils begin their journey as confident, capable movers—ready to grow and thrive in all areas of school life. 

Junior PE: Developing Skills, Understanding, and Competitive Play 

In Junior PE, pupils build on the foundations of physical literacy developed in Kindergarten PE, moving into more structured and sport-focused learning. Lessons introduce a wider range of sports, with pupils developing core techniques such as passing, shooting, dribbling, and striking, alongside sport-specific movement patterns. 

As pupils grow in confidence and ability, the focus broadens to include tactical understanding. They begin to explore concepts like positioning, teamwork, attacking and defending, and decision-making in game situations. Lessons are designed to encourage thinking players—those who not only perform skills well but also understand when and how to apply them. 

In the latter part of the Junior phase, pupils begin to apply their skills in competitive contexts. Through inter-school fixtures, Mini Youth Games, and ISA competitions, they experience the excitement and challenge of formal competition. These opportunities foster teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship, and pride in representing Gad’s Hill School.  

Junior PE balances skill development with enjoyment, ensuring that all pupils, regardless of experience or ability, are engaged, supported and challenged. By the end of this phase, children are not only more technically and tactically able but also prepared for the physical and emotional demands of competitive sport in their senior years.

At Gad’s Hill School, sport in the Upper School is structured to provide all students with the opportunity to engage in competitive and inclusive physical activity. The school regularly organises fixtures in sports such as football, netball, rugby, and cricket, allowing pupils to represent Gad’s Hill in both local and regional competitions. These matches foster teamwork, resilience, and a sense of pride, while helping students to refine their tactical awareness and develop a competitive edge. Athletics is also a key part of the sporting calendar, offering pupils the chance to challenge themselves individually in a range of track and field events. 

Beyond competition, the school places strong emphasis on promoting physical health and wellbeing through a diverse and engaging PE curriculum. Students learn how to improve their fitness, build strength, and adopt healthy lifestyles through activities such as gym-based training, badminton, and rock climbing. By offering a variety of sports tailored to different interests and abilities, the programme ensures that all pupils—regardless of experience or confidence—can find activities they enjoy and progress in. This inclusive approach encourages lifelong participation in sport and helps students understand the physical, mental, and social benefits of staying active. 

Kindergarten PE: Building the Foundations of Physical Literacy 

PE in the Kindergarten is all about developing the building blocks of movement in a fun, active, and engaging way. At this age, children are naturally energetic and curious, and PE at Gad’s HIll harnesses that energy to develop physical literacy—the confidence, competence, and motivation to move effectively. 

Lessons focus on fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, balancing, throwing, and catching. These are taught through imaginative play and simple games that promote body awareness, coordination, and control in a supportive, inclusive environment. 

More than just physical development, EYFS PE also nurtures important social and emotional skills. Activities encourage children to work together, take turns, listen, and follow instructions—essential foundations for both school and life. 

By embedding these movement patterns early, children are better prepared for more structured PE in Key Stage 1 and beyond. The ability to balance, move with control, and respond to others in a game setting sets them up for future success in sports, dance, and gymnastics. 

Through play, exploration, and encouragement, our youngest pupils begin their journey as confident, capable movers—ready to grow and thrive in all areas of school life. 

Junior PE: Developing Skills, Understanding, and Competitive Play 

In Junior PE, pupils build on the foundations of physical literacy developed in Kindergarten PE, moving into more structured and sport-focused learning. Lessons introduce a wider range of sports, with pupils developing core techniques such as passing, shooting, dribbling, and striking, alongside sport-specific movement patterns. 

As pupils grow in confidence and ability, the focus broadens to include tactical understanding. They begin to explore concepts like positioning, teamwork, attacking and defending, and decision-making in game situations. Lessons are designed to encourage thinking players—those who not only perform skills well but also understand when and how to apply them. 

In the latter part of the Junior phase, pupils begin to apply their skills in competitive contexts. Through inter-school fixtures, Mini Youth Games, and ISA competitions, they experience the excitement and challenge of formal competition. These opportunities foster teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship, and pride in representing Gad’s Hill School.  

Junior PE balances skill development with enjoyment, ensuring that all pupils, regardless of experience or ability, are engaged, supported and challenged. By the end of this phase, children are not only more technically and tactically able but also prepared for the physical and emotional demands of competitive sport in their senior years.

At Gad’s Hill School, sport in the Upper School is structured to provide all students with the opportunity to engage in competitive and inclusive physical activity. The school regularly organises fixtures in sports such as football, netball, rugby, and cricket, allowing pupils to represent Gad’s Hill in both local and regional competitions. These matches foster teamwork, resilience, and a sense of pride, while helping students to refine their tactical awareness and develop a competitive edge. Athletics is also a key part of the sporting calendar, offering pupils the chance to challenge themselves individually in a range of track and field events. 

Beyond competition, the school places strong emphasis on promoting physical health and wellbeing through a diverse and engaging PE curriculum. Students learn how to improve their fitness, build strength, and adopt healthy lifestyles through activities such as gym-based training, badminton, and rock climbing. By offering a variety of sports tailored to different interests and abilities, the programme ensures that all pupils—regardless of experience or confidence—can find activities they enjoy and progress in. This inclusive approach encourages lifelong participation in sport and helps students understand the physical, mental, and social benefits of staying active.