PE and Sport at Brightwalton School

Building on a long-standing enthusiasm for sport, Brightwalton School is committed to delivering high-quality physical education and sport as part of our wider aim of promoting wellbeing for all and developing individual expertise.

We offer a broad and diverse range of sporting opportunities from Reception to Year 6 so that every child takes part in regular physical activity and has the chance to represent the school in external competitions. As members of the West Berkshire School Sports Network, our pupils participate in a variety of events across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, competing with other schools and celebrating the importance of teamwork, determination and achievement.

A strong emphasis is placed on developing team spirit, sportsmanship and leadership skills. We also encourage healthy and active habits through very active break times, with equipment and games that allow children to practise sports such as football, netball and tennis in a fun and inclusive way.

Swimming is highly valued as a life skill. Our aim is for every child to receive at least six terms of swimming instruction during their time with us, with additional lessons provided where needed so that all pupils meet the national requirement.

Our PE and sport curriculum is underpinned by the National Curriculum for Physical Education, which ensures that all pupils:

• develop competence in a broad range of physical activities

• are physically active for sustained periods of time

• engage in competitive sports and activities

• lead healthy, active lives.

At Key Stage 1, pupils focus on mastering fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching, developing agility, balance and coordination, and beginning to apply these in team games, simple tactics, and dance.

At Key Stage 2, pupils build on these foundations by applying a wider range of skills in competitive games (e.g. football, netball, cricket, rounders, hockey, tennis), gymnastics, dance and athletics. They are encouraged to collaborate, compete and reflect on their performances to achieve personal bests.

We celebrate and promote sporting interests both in and out of school, aiming to inspire children to continue healthy and active lifestyles into adulthood. We are proud to hold the Gold School Games Award, recognising the excellence and inclusivity of PE and sport at Brightwalton.