ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the Physical Education (PE) curriculum at Key Stage 1, with practical examples to support curriculum planning for physical development. It highlights some of the contemporary challenges facing teachers in meeting the subject’s expectations. Key Stage 1 frames a child’s first formal experience of the National Curriculum and of PE and must, therefore, set the tone and ambition of what it means to be physically educated. The education of the physical self can create spaces where children learn about themselves, how to be healthy and invite social interaction. The chapter describes a lesson where Key Stage 1 children were involved in a pirate themed treasure hunt, finding and solving clues in small groups. The environment and context for learning will shape the child’s movement experience, which at this stage should be characterised by mastery, opportunity, exploration and practice.
