Physical Development
At Herons Dale, Physical Development supports pupils to develop the physical, social and emotional skills needed to lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives. Through a carefully sequenced and inclusive curriculum alongside various physical development therapies and programmes, pupils develop confidence, coordination, resilience and independence whilst experiencing enjoyment and success in movement and physical activity.
Our curriculum enables pupils to develop physical literacy through gymnastics, dance, games, athletics, swimming and movement-based activities. Learning is delivered through a range of practical, sensory and structured experiences that support pupils to build strength, balance, coordination, body awareness and communication skills. Opportunities for repetition, exploration and challenge ensure that all pupils can make progress from their individual starting points.
PD is an inclusive area that promotes wellbeing, confidence and participation for all learners. Learning is carefully adapted through personalised targets, therapeutic approaches, sensory experiences and specialist support, enabling pupils to develop physically whilst also building teamwork, self-esteem and resilience. Through Physical Development, we aim to develop pupils who are active, confident and motivated to engage positively in physical activity throughout their lives.
What Pupils Learn
Across the school, pupils learn to:
- Develop balance, coordination, agility and body awareness
- Build confidence and competence through movement and physical activity
- Participate in gymnastics, dance, games, athletics and swimming activities
- Develop fundamental movement skills including travelling, jumping, throwing, catching and striking
- Improve physical fitness, stamina and strength
- Work cooperatively with partners, groups and teams
- Follow instructions, routines and safety expectations
- Develop resilience when facing challenge and new experiences
- Understand the benefits of physical activity and healthy lifestyles
- Evaluate their own performance and celebrate personal achievement
Cultural Capital and Enrichment
Physical Development plays a significant role in enriching pupils’ experiences and supporting their wider growth. Through swimming, Sports Week, Sports Day, outdoor learning, community coaching opportunities and participation in sporting activities, pupils experience a range of physical challenges and achievements beyond the classroom.
Pupils benefit from specialist facilities including the school swimming pool, rebound therapy provision, outdoor learning environments and play equipment. Regular opportunities to access community venues, sporting events and enrichment activities help pupils develop confidence, independence and a positive attitude towards physical activity.
Preparing for Adulthood and British Values
Through Physical Development, pupils develop many of the skills needed for healthy and active adult lives. They learn the importance of exercise, movement, wellbeing and healthy lifestyles whilst developing independence, perseverance and self-confidence. Opportunities to work collaboratively, communicate with others and manage challenges help pupils build positive relationships and emotional resilience.
PD also supports pupils to develop self-awareness, personal responsibility and confidence in their physical abilities. Through participation in a broad range of activities, pupils learn to make healthy choices, engage with their communities and enjoy active recreation, helping to prepare them for participation in life beyond school.
How Physical Development Develops Across Our Pathways
Discoverers
Our youngest and most complex learners access Physical Development through sensory movement experiences, play-based exploration, swimming, physiotherapy programmes and opportunities to develop both gross and fine motor skills throughout the school day. Pupils engage with movement through music, outdoor play, sensory circuits, supported physical exploration and structured activities designed to develop body awareness, mobility, confidence and engagement. The emphasis is on participation, communication and experiencing movement in meaningful and enjoyable ways.
Explorers
Pupils develop confidence and physical competence through a developmental curriculum focused on gymnastics, dance, sending and receiving, handling skills, carrying and striking, and athletics. While some pupils access structured PD activities within small groups, others develop physical skills through daily movement programmes, sensory exploration, physiotherapy targets and personalised one-to-one activities embedded throughout the school day. This approach reflects the complexity of need within the pathway and ensures that all pupils can engage in meaningful physical development at an appropriate level. Learning is highly practical and sensory, enabling pupils to develop movement control, coordination, communication and independence through repeated experiences. As pupils become more familiar with activities, they demonstrate increasing confidence, resilience and engagement in physical activity.
Adventurers and Voyagers
As pupils progress, they revisit key physical literacy strands through a spiral curriculum that develops skills, independence and decision-making. Through gymnastics, dance, invasion games, sending and receiving, striking and fielding, and athletics, pupils build increasing control, coordination and confidence. Learning encourages teamwork, communication, resilience and the application of skills across a range of physical contexts. Pupils begin to transfer skills between activities, reflect on their performance and develop a greater understanding of how physical activity supports their health and wellbeing.
Pioneers
Formal learners follow a structured and progressive curriculum which develops technical competence, tactical awareness and healthy lifestyles. Pupils refine and apply skills across gymnastics, dance, invasion games, bat and ball games, athletics and swimming. They learn to evaluate performance, work collaboratively, make decisions and develop increasing independence whilst participating successfully in competitive, cooperative and individual physical activities. Through regular opportunities to practise, refine and apply skills, pupils develop confidence, resilience and the motivation to engage in physical activity both within and beyond school.
Navigators
Pupils in the Navigator cohort access Physical Development through a flexible combination of pathway approaches matched to their physical development, regulation and readiness. Movement, swimming, sensory activity and practical challenges are carefully structured to build confidence, body awareness and participation. Familiar routines, visual support and personalised adult guidance help pupils manage challenge, work with others and experience success.