- Laying the foundations for a healthy, confident and active life - 
Mrs Madison (PE Lead)

At Hermitage Primary School, we believe that physical education is far more than sport – it's about nurturing the whole child through movement. Our PE and Sports curriculum is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel confident in their body, joyful in movement, and inspired to stay active – now and for life.

We are deeply committed to developing physical literacy: the skills, confidence, and motivation to move well and enjoy being active in many different ways. Just as learning to read opens a world of opportunity, learning to move with purpose, control, and self-belief gives children the lifelong tools to lead healthy, happy lives.

At Hermitage, we do not measure success solely by sporting ability, but by how empowered children feel to take part, persevere, and find joy in physical activity—whatever their starting point. Our inclusive and inspiring PE curriculum is designed to:

• Build Physical Competence: Through carefully structured progression, pupils develop key movement skills and fundamental techniques across a broad range of activities and sports.

• Promote Enjoyment and Engagement: We cultivate a positive relationship with physical activity that helps children recognise its role in wellbeing and personal fulfilment.

• Foster Healthy, Active Lifestyles: Children understand how physical activity benefits their physical and mental health, and are equipped with the habits and motivation to stay active beyond school.

• Encourage Confidence and Character: Through challenge, competition, and collaboration, pupils build resilience, self-esteem, leadership, and respect for others.

• Celebrate Every Child: We provide opportunities for all pupils—regardless of background or ability—to thrive, participate fully, and experience success and belonging through movement.

By nurturing physical literacy from the earliest years, we’re not just building strong, capable bodies - we are shaping resilient, self-assured, and active young people who will carry those qualities with them for a lifetime.

Our vision is simple yet powerful: every child moving with joy, purpose, and confidence. That’s the Hermitage way!

Please see our long-term Physical Education plan below to explore what children learn throughout their time at Hermitage.

Swimming

Swimming is an important skill and can encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

In accordance with the National Curriculum, schools must provide swimming instruction either in Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2.  The programme of study for P.E. sets out the expectation that 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.

	Percentage of children who swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres	35.6%
	Percentage of children who can use a range of strokes effectively – for example, front crawl,  backstroke and breaststroke.	30.3%
	Percentage of children who can perform safe  self-rescue in different water-based situations.	13.4%