Physical Education
At Cullercoats Primary School, our PE, School Sport and Physical Activity (PESSPA) curriculum aims to inspire all children to succeed and thrive.
Head of PESSPA - Mr Aled Jones
INTENT
Curriculum Design
At Cullercoats Primary School, our PE, School Sport and Physical Activity (PESSPA) curriculum aims to inspire all children to succeed and thrive. Led by Mr Aled Jones (Head of PESSPA), alongside Mrs Leanne Gonzalez and Mrs Corinne Harris, we provide a broad, exciting and progressive curriculum that develops physical skills, confidence and essential life values.
Our coastal location and proximity to National Cycle Network Route 1 allow us to offer unique opportunities such as paddle boarding, kayaking and the BetterOnBikes cycling programme, where every Year 4 pupil completes two blocks of an 8-week cycle training programme, finishing with a 25-mile round trip to Newcastle. We also partner with the Lawn Tennis Association and use the nearby Cullercoats Tennis Club courts to enrich tennis provision.
We aim to build strong physical literacy from the Early Years and ensure pupils develop the skills, teamwork, fairness and resilience needed for lifelong participation in physical activity. Our commitment to equity is reflected in opportunities such as the surfing programme for disadvantaged pupils (2022) and more recently the Let Girls Play initiative, ensuring all girls have equal access to football.
Our dedication to excellence in PE and school sport is demonstrated through achieving the School Games Platinum Award four times in seven years. Due to the consistently high quality of our PE delivery, we are also regularly invited to model outstanding PE practice for the North Tyneside SCITT programme, including leading an annual Good Practice Day for trainee teachers.
Teaching & Learning Approach
Our teaching is grounded in Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, ensuring clarity, high-quality modelling, guided practice and regular review. Lessons are engaging, challenging and inclusive. We teach essential life skills such as water safety and swimming, alongside cooperation, communication and leadership.
Assessment
Progress is assessed through ongoing observation, skill development and performance. We use Seesaw to capture evidence of learning—such as video demonstrations, reflections and self-assessments—helping pupils recognise, understand and celebrate their progress.
IMPLEMENTATION
Curriculum Design
Our curriculum provides pupils with a wide range of sporting experiences, including:
• Invasion games
• Net and wall games
• Striking and fielding
• Dance
• Gymnastics
• Swimming
• Outdoor and adventurous activities
All pupils receive two hours of high-quality PE per week, enhanced by enrichment workshops including dance, skipping, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Outdoor learning and challenge are strengthened through residential visits:
• Year 4: High Borrans Outdoor Centre (canoeing, high/low ropes, orienteering, hiking)
• Year 6: PGL Dalguise/Ford Castle (team-building, problem-solving and outdoor adventure activities)
Teaching & Learning Approach
Lessons follow a progressive structure using Rosenshine’s principles to support secure skill acquisition. As an OPAL school, active play is embedded throughout the day, increasing daily physical activity and supporting the development of teamwork, resilience and confidence.
We offer a wide range of after-school sports clubs three evenings per week, and pupils regularly take part in festivals, competitions and events through our local School Games partnership.
Leadership development is supported through the Year 6 Sports Leaders programme, where pupils assist younger children and help run whole-school sporting events.
Our high standard of PE teaching means that Cullercoats staff are regularly requested to model outstanding practice for North Tyneside SCITT trainees, contributing to the development of future teachers.
Assessment
Assessment focuses on physical competence, tactical understanding, teamwork, behaviour and personal progress. Teachers record and evidence learning through Seesaw, enabling pupils to reflect on and understand their development.
Swimming progress is monitored in Year 6, with (Gav to insert the most recent data) for pupils achieving 25 metres independently.
IMPACT
Curriculum Design
Our rich and varied PESSPA curriculum ensures that every child can become a confident, skilled and enthusiastic participant in physical activity. We recognise that children progress at different rates, and our inclusive approach supports all pupils—regardless of starting point—to reach their physical potential at their own pace. Pupils develop resilience, teamwork and a positive mindset that extends well beyond PE lessons.
Teaching & Learning Approach
Engaging, well-structured lessons grounded in Rosenshine’s Principles help pupils build skills securely and take increasing ownership of their health and fitness. Whether mastering fundamental skills, growing in confidence or excelling in competitive sport, every child is encouraged and supported to achieve personal success. Many pupils extend their interests into school clubs and community sport.
The strong reputation of our PE provision is reflected in the regular invitations to model exemplary PE teaching for North Tyneside SCITT, reinforcing the recognised quality and impact of our practice.
Assessment
Evidence collected through teacher assessment and Seesaw demonstrates that pupils make strong, steady and meaningful progress in physical literacy, confidence and wellbeing. Each child’s achievements are valued and celebrated, no matter their starting point.
By the time they leave Cullercoats Primary School, pupils are equipped with the knowledge, skills and motivation needed to lead active, healthy and fulfilling lives—having each reached their potential in a way, and at a pace, that is right for them.
SKILLS MAPPING DOCUMENTS