What is the sports premium?

The PE and sport premium is designed to help primary schools improve the quality of the PE and sport activities they offer their pupils.

Schools must spend the funding to improve the quality of the PE and sport activities they offer their pupils, but they are free to choose the best of way using of the money.  However, the government suggests that school can use funding to:

• hire specialist PE teachers
• hire qualified sports coaches to work with teachers
• provide existing staff with teaching resources to help them teach PE and sport
• support and involve the least active children by running or extending school sports clubs, holiday clubs and Change4Life clubs
• run sport competitions or increase pupils’ participation in the School Games
• run sports activities with other schools.

We believe that physical activity not only improves health, improves mental wellbeing and improves concentration, but also promotes correct physical growth and development.  Exercise has a positive influence on academic achievement, emotional stability and interaction with others. Through sport and other physical activities our children will learn about their responsibilities both as individuals and members of groups and teams.  They learn to cooperate and to compete fairly, understanding their own and other’s roles.

Our aims are that through physical education we teach and develop physical competence, an appreciation of skilled and creative performances, understanding of basic principles of ‘fair play’ and improve inter personal skills.  We achieve this by:

• following a broad and balanced PE curriculum fulfilling the requirements of the National Curriculum;
• giving every child the opportunity to swim at least 25m by the end of Key Stage 2
• developing the fitness of the individual, by ensuring a good pace in lessons and incorporating fitness activities into physical education lessons as appropriate,as well as our daily 10 in 10 Programme
• integrating, where possible, into other curriculum areas, for example, the use of athletics data in maths & ICT;
• developing programmes that meet the needs of all the children, providing equal opportunities, making allowances for children with disabilities and medical conditions, taking into account children with special needs, through modified classroom programmes;
• involving the community where possible, for example, Sports Day, clubs, intra/ inter-school matches, outside coaching personnel and resources.
• providing enjoyable experiences, where positive attitudes of sensitivity, leadership, co-operation, competition and tolerance may develop.
• Enhancing with them terms and days as well as competitions and clubs

Swimming at St Joseph’s

At St Joseph’s, swimming is an important part of our Physical Education curriculum. We are committed to ensuring that all our children have the opportunity to develop their water confidence, swimming ability and understanding of water safety.

Through regular swimming lessons, our children develop a range of swimming strokes and skills, while building strength, stamina and confidence in the water. We also place a strong emphasis on water safety, helping children to understand how to stay safe around swimming pools, open water and other aquatic environments.

Swimming provides our children with opportunities to challenge themselves, celebrate their progress and develop resilience, perseverance and confidence. We are proud to support our children in developing an essential life skill while encouraging them to enjoy being active and healthy.

Swimming Rota 2026-2027

Autumn 1 - Year 5

Autumn 2- Year 6

Spring - Year 4

Summer - Year 3