PE and Sport at Birdwell School

At Birdwell School, we believe that being physically active is fundamental to children's health, wellbeing and learning. We are proud to have been awarded the Platinum School Games Mark for the third time, the highest national recognition for our commitment to providing high-quality physical education, school sport and physical activity for every child. Achieving this award on three occasions reflects our sustained commitment to creating an active school where all children can enjoy, participate in and succeed in sport and physical activity.

Being active is an important part of everyday life at Birdwell. Alongside high-quality PE lessons, children have regular opportunities to develop healthy habits through initiatives such as the Daily Mile, Forest School, access to our on-site orienteering courses and our gardening curriculum. We also offer between ten and fifteen extra-curricular sports clubs each week, with activities changing throughout the year to provide a wide variety of experiences. Free or subsidised places are prioritised for children who are less active and those eligible for Pupil Premium funding. During the school holidays, sports and woodland clubs continue to provide opportunities for children to stay active.

Our PE curriculum is broad, ambitious and inclusive. Children experience a wide range of traditional and alternative activities, including street dance, ultimate frisbee, rhythmic gymnastics and many more through our weekly Games lessons. Outdoor adventure is also an important part of our curriculum, with opportunities for climbing and skiing on our Year 4 and Year 6 residential visits. All Year 4 pupils complete Bikeability Level 1 training, with Year 6 pupils progressing to Level 2.

Developing strong fundamental movement skills is a priority throughout the school. Every child from Reception to Year 6 takes part in a weekly Real PE lesson. Real PE is an inclusive approach that develops agility, balance and coordination while building confidence, resilience and personal skills. By ensuring children develop these essential movement skills, we help them become confident, competent and motivated to enjoy physical activity both in school and beyond.

Competition is an important part of sporting life at Birdwell. From Year 2 onwards, pupils regularly represent the school in inter-school competitions and festivals, while all children take part in our termly Birdwell Sports Cup inter-house competitions. We are proud of our partnerships with Bristol Forever Sport, Ashton Park School Sport Partnership and local clubs, including Bristol Flyers and Long Ashton FC. These partnerships provide expert coaching, broaden sporting opportunities and strengthen links with our local community.

High-quality teaching is supported through mentoring from specialist coaches, ongoing professional development for staff and careful monitoring to ensure all pupils can access the opportunities available. Our Sports Leaders and Playground Leaders also make a valuable contribution by encouraging active play, organising games and acting as positive role models for younger children.

At Birdwell School, our aim is for every child to develop a lifelong enjoyment of being active, the confidence to try new experiences and the skills to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

PE & Sport Premium Funding

The Primary PE and Sport Premium is additional government funding provided to primary schools to improve the quality of physical education, physical activity and school sport. At Birdwell School, we use this funding strategically to create sustainable improvements that benefit all pupils, enhancing both the quality of teaching and the range of opportunities available.

Our spending is planned around the Department for Education's five key indicators:

• Increasing the engagement of all pupils in regular physical activity.
• Raising the profile of PE and sport as a driver for whole-school improvement.
• Increasing the confidence, knowledge and skills of staff who teach PE.
• Broadening the range of sports and physical activities available to pupils.
• Increasing participation and success in competitive sport.

Further information about the Primary PE and Sport Premium is available on the Department for Education website

Birdwell School PE & Sport Premium Report 2025-26