Physical Education
Here at Haltwhistle Academy, we aim to encourage a healthy lifestyle and develop a good understanding of how the children can keep themselves well, both physically and mentally. By offering different physical opportunities, the children can identify activities that they enjoy and want to explore further. Our curriculum has been designed to complement the sports which are available in our locality and we encourage wider participation through extra-curricular clubs and signposting to local sporting organisations.
Please see our PE Curriculum Intent document below.
Our facilities
We are exceptionally lucky to have a large multipurpose sports hall, and separate dance / gymnastics studio in addition to extensive school grounds, all ideal for teaching a variety of sports. As well as our children benefiting from being able to access this high quality facility and equipment, we also employ specialist coaches to deliver PE and after school clubs alongside our own staff.
The facility is used by a number of community groups after school and on weekends.
Celebrating Interests and Talents in PE
At Haltwhistle Academy, we are passionate about encouraging every pupil to explore and develop their physical abilities and sporting talents. We believe that physical education is not just about fitness, but also about building confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of being active.
Opportunities Across the Year
Throughout the school year, pupils have a wide range of opportunities to participate in PE activities, sports events, and competitions. From team games to individual challenges, our programme ensures that every child can find a sport they enjoy and excel in.
School Games and Competitive Events
Our pupils regularly take part in School Games and other local competitions. These events allow children to challenge themselves, represent the school, and develop skills such as resilience, fair play, and determination. Participation in competitions is a chance to celebrate personal achievements as well as team success.
Gymnastics
Our gymnastics lessons are taught by expert coach, Jill McKenna. Early Years children attend Tumbletots sessions on a regular basis and this helps to develop their core strength and balance. We recognise how important core body strength is across all areas of life, and as such invest heavily in the development of this. Jill offers sessions every week for our Early Years children and a rota system for KS1 and 2 children. A small team of KS2 children have also represented our school in Northumberland Schools competitions and always achieve very well.
Recognising Achievements
We celebrate sporting talent and effort at every level—whether it’s improving a personal skill, contributing to a team, or achieving success in a competition. Pupils’ achievements are shared across the school, encouraging pride, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment.
At Haltwhistle Academy, we are proud to support every child in discovering their strengths in PE, helping them to enjoy sport, develop confidence, and achieve their full potential.
Wise Games
Every other year, the schools in our Multi Academy Trust get together for a sports festival we call WISE Games. Held in a professional sports venue, this is an opportunity for pupils from Year 2 upwards to join with children from across the Trust for all inclusive events, then cheer on those with specific talents for athletics in a competitive event in the afternoon.
Balanceability
Early Years children in Reception have had the chance to take part in Bikeability, taught using balance bikes. This helps to develop core strength, balance and control skills needed to support their physical development.
Bikeability
Children in Years 5 and 6 also have these sessions in order for them to develop the understanding of staying safe on the roads. They complete Bikeability Levels 1-3 and we have also designed a series of Cycling Adventures offered as part of our transition programme for children in Year 6. School bikes are available so that every child can access these opportunities.
Inspiring visits
We were very lucky to have a visit from Sally Scott, Olympic pole vaulter, who showed and inspired the children and staff how she had achieved her success as an Olympic Athlete.
The children loved taking part in the fun exercises and then learnt how to pole vault, a fantastic experience! Afterwards the children were inspired to perform their own exercises.