Physical activity is closely linked to mental health and wellbeing and we believe passionately in promoting good mental and physical health.
At St Augustine’s Academy, we believe that Physical Education plays a vital role in developing the whole child – physically, socially, emotionally, and mentally. We recognise that an active lifestyle supports not only physical health but also concentration, confidence, and overall well-being. As a small, rural village school, we make the most of our natural surroundings and close-knit community to inspire a love of movement, outdoor learning, and healthy competition. PE at St Augustine’s encourages every child to discover enjoyment in physical activity, to develop positive attitudes towards teamwork and perseverance, and to understand the lifelong benefits of being active.
At St Augustine’s Academy, our PE curriculum from Nursery to Year 4 is designed to ensure that every child develops the physical skills, confidence, and enthusiasm to enjoy active and healthy lives. Rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the National Curriculum for Physical Education, our intent is to give children strong foundations in movement, coordination, balance, and teamwork. We want our pupils to experience the joy of movement, the value of cooperation, and the satisfaction of personal achievement. As a small, village school, we take pride in knowing every child well and providing inclusive opportunities for all to succeed. Our curriculum promotes not only physical competence but also resilience, fairness, and respect – skills that contribute to positive attitudes towards lifelong physical activity and well-being.
In Nursery and Reception, physical development is a key focus of the EYFS. Children develop gross and fine motor skills through play, outdoor exploration, and structured movement sessions, helping them to move confidently and safely. As pupils progress into Key Stage 1, they follow the National Curriculum for PE, mastering basic movements such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching, while developing balance, agility, and coordination. In Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3-4), these skills are refined and applied in a wider range of games, gymnastics, dance, and athletic activities. Across all year groups, our active classrooms ensure children engage in regular physical activity every day, supporting concentration and well-being. We make excellent use of our spacious outdoor areas for both lessons and outdoor adventurous activities, and we take part in half-termly inter-house competitions to encourage teamwork and healthy competition. In addition, we offer a variety of after-school sports clubs, providing further opportunities for pupils to discover new interests and develop their skills beyond the school day.
By the time pupils leave St Augustine’s Academy at the end of Year 4, they demonstrate confidence, enthusiasm, and enjoyment in physical activity. They show the physical competence and control expected within the National Curriculum, as well as strong social and emotional skills such as teamwork, cooperation, and perseverance. Our children understand how physical activity benefits both body and mind, and they recognise its importance as part of a balanced lifestyle. Participation in regular competitions and clubs fosters pride, sportsmanship, and resilience, while our active classrooms promote positive habits for daily movement. Pupils leave St Augustine’s ready to build upon these strong foundations in Key Stage 2 and beyond equipped with the motivation, confidence, and understanding needed to lead healthy, active lives.
Click here to review the baseline assessment results for the physical development tests performed by Progressive Sports.
Please click here to see our PE Action Plan & our Evaluation of our PE Funding Action Plan.
SUAT supports and leads in the set-up of new academies joining the partnership. The services provided by the central support function cover both educational and non-educational support. In terms of educational support, SUAT is linked to the School of Education of Staffordshire University, which is an outstanding ITT provider.
