New curriculum can start new chapter for PE, school sport and pla

The Youth Sport Trust and Association for Physical Education (afPE) have welcomed the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s final report and the Government’s response to the recommendations, calling for today to turn the page on a new chapter for Physical Education (PE), school sport and play. 

Over the past year, led by Professor Becky Francis CBE, the Curriculum and Assessment Review has received evidence from a wide range of stakeholders, and delivered deep-dive sessions on a series of subjects, including PE. The Youth Sport Trust and afPE have contributed to the Review throughout, including through attendance at the PE deep dive, and are pleased to see the sector’s insights inform the Review’s findings and subsequent Government response. 

Following the publication of the Review’s report, the Department for Education has responded to indicate how the Review’s recommendations will be incorporated into the revised curriculum. Key measures include: 

Physical Education (PE) 

· Revisiting the aims of compulsory PE across all four key stages to support the development of fundamental movement skills, and participation in sport and physical activity, highlighting the role of PE in supporting pupils’ wellbeing and educational outcomes. 

· Ensuring the Key Stage 4 curriculum has a clear purpose for pupils so schools recognise the need to protect two hours of PE time for all pupils throughout their time at school. 

· Considering how swimming, dance, and outdoor and adventurous activities are presented to ensure they support quality teaching and progression. 

· Working with Ofqual and stakeholders to review the PE GCSE subject content to make sure the purpose is distinct from the Key Stage 4 curriculum, with an emphasis on supporting wider participation including for pupils with disabilities. 

· Adding further detail to content on dance within PE, and included within the remit of new PE and School Sports Partnerships to build capability and confidence in the teaching of dance. 

Enrichment

The two organisations will continue to work closely with the Department for Education and across the sector to make sure today’s announcements are the impetus for change. 

Meanwhile, aside from the Curriculum and Assessment Review, the Department for Education has recently initiated a market engagement process ahead of the introduction of a new PE and School Sport Partnership Network and is expected to soon publish a new Enrichment Framework. The new National Youth Strategy is also set to be released by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport by the end of the year.
 

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