A new academic year is the perfect opportunity for schools to refresh their PE curriculum and inspire pupils to be active, confident, and engaged. High-quality Primary School PE can have a lasting impact on pupil wellbeing, attainment, and behaviour, and with careful planning, you can make the most of every lesson, every term.

Whether you deliver PE in-house or use specialist providers for PPA cover, after-school clubs, or wraparound provision, now is the time to map out an engaging, inclusive, and curriculum-aligned year of sport.

1. Start with the National Curriculum for PE

The National Curriculum for PE sets out clear aims for physical education across Key Stages 1 and 2. Review these objectives at the start of term to ensure your plans meet the required outcomes.

• Key Stage 1: Mastering basic movements, developing balance, agility and coordination, and participating in team games.
• Key Stage 2: Applying and developing a broader range of skills, playing competitive games, and improving swimming competence.

2. Build a Year-Long Curriculum Map

A structured curriculum map keeps lessons on track and ensures coverage of a variety of sports. Consider:

• Autumn Term: Football, gymnastics, dance. (Indoor Sports for adverse weather preparation such as Gymnastics is a great idea!) – You may plan weeks such as Ninja Warrior obstacle courses to keep the children engaged during Gymnastics lessons!
• Spring Term: Netball, basketball, Tag Rugby, movement skills.
• Summer Term: Athletics, cricket, Rounders, tennis. (Sports day preparation)

Link activities to seasonal events, for example, teaching tennis during Wimbledon or athletics in the run-up to Sports Day.

We would also advise a big emphasis on invasion games for Key stage 1 during the Autumn term.

3. Maximise Your PE & Sport Premium

The PE & Sport Premium gives schools funding to improve PE provision. This can be used for:

• Specialist coaching for PPA cover.
• CPD for teachers to improve PE delivery.
• New sports equipment to widen participation.

Investing in external sports coaches can free up teacher time, boost lesson quality, and bring fresh expertise to your school.

4. Keep Lessons Active and Engaging

For maximum impact, aim for at least 75% active time in every PE lesson. This means the majority of each session should have pupils physically moving, practising skills, or participating in games — not sitting or standing still.

• Work-to-Rest Ratio: We recommend keeping rest periods short and purposeful. For example, a 2:1 work-to-rest ratio means children are active twice as long as they are resting, which helps maintain engagement and fitness levels.
• Keep Talking Time Short: Deliver clear, concise instructions so pupils spend more time moving and less time listening.
• Avoid Long Lines and Queues: Design activities that involve all children at once, rather than waiting for turns.
• Celebrate Participation: Recognise effort with PE Star of the Week, certificates, or medals to keep motivation high.

At Super Star Sport, our coaches bring fun, positivity, enthusiasm, and safety into every session, helping children develop a lifelong love of exercise while meeting national curriculum aims.

5. Enrich PE with Extra-Curricular Opportunities

After-school clubs, lunchtime activities, and breakfast clubs are fantastic for boosting activity levels and offering pupils the chance to try new sports. These sessions can also support pupil wellbeing, behaviour, and social skills.

Conclusion

By planning your Primary School PE carefully, using your PE & Sport Premium wisely, and keeping lessons engaging, your school can deliver a year of physical education that pupils love and Ofsted will praise.

Super Star Sport works with primary schools across the UK to provide curriculum PE, PPA cover, wraparound provision, and extra-curricular clubs.

Contact us to day to discuss how we can help you make this your school’s best year for PE yet.