Physical Education

At River Valley Primary School, Physical Education (PE) is more than just exercise and games — it is about nurturing healthy, confident, and resilient learners.

Through a carefully planned programme, students not only build strong physical skills but also develop critical life skills like teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and responsibility.

We believe every child can be a confident mover, thoughtful leader, and active contributor to the community.

Our RVPS PE Curriculum Journey

We tailor our PE experiences based on the students’ developmental stages:

Lower Primary (Primary 1 & 2) — Building Strong Foundations

Developing Fundamental Movement Skills:

Students are taught how to run, jump, throw, balance, and move confidently. These are the building blocks for all future sports and activities.

Learning through Fun and Play:

Lessons include games, dance, gymnastics, and simple challenges. Students explore how to move their bodies safely and creatively, while learning about personal space, teamwork, and equipment use.

Building Confidence:

Activities are structured to encourage success for every child, boosting self-esteem and enjoyment in being physically active.

Middle Primary (Primary 3 & 4) — Strengthening Skills and Independence

Applying and Combining Skills:

Students learn to apply basic movement skills into games, team activities, and small group challenges.

Introduction to Game Concepts:

Students are taught how to play simple games using strategies like working with teammates and making decisions during play.

Blended Learning in PE:

Lessons combine hands-on practice with digital platforms (like the Student Learning Space) for students to review skills at their own pace, watch demonstration videos, and reflect on their performance.

Developing Personal Responsibility:

Students set goals, reflect on their learning, and learn how to practise safely and independently.

Upper Primary (Primary 5 & 6) — Leadership, Strategy, and Lifelong Skills

Authentic Sport Experiences:

Using the Sports Education Model (SEM), students experience what it’s like to be players, referees, and team managers in sport settings.

Learning through Games:

Students are taught how to think tactically in games — planning strategies, making quick decisions, and working closely with teammates.

Character Building:

Students learn sportsmanship, fair play, resilience when facing challenges, and respect for others.

Preparing for Active Living Beyond School:

Students are encouraged to find joy in movement and understand the importance of staying active for life.

Key Features of Our RVPS PE Programme

1. Growth Mindset Development

We teach students that effort and perseverance matter more than winning.

Students are encouraged to celebrate small improvements, learn from mistakes, and keep trying even when challenges arise.

2. Critical Thinking and Reflection

Students are guided to think about their movements and decisions using simple strategies:

What went well?
What could I improve?
What can I try differently next time?

Thinking routines like "See-Think-Wonder" and "Think-Pair-Share" are part of every PE experience.

3. Values Education through PE

PE lessons intentionally reinforce important values:

Respect (for opponents and teammates)
Responsibility (taking care of equipment, fair play)
Teamwork and Leadership (leading activities or taking turns leading)
Resilience (trying again after failure)
Empathy (helping peers succeed)

Students are taught to apply the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and our school values throughout their physical activities.

4. Quality Assessment and Feedback

We assess students in ways that help them grow, not just "test" them:

Teachers observe students during activities and give real-time encouragement and coaching.
Students set personal physical goals and track their progress.
Reflection and feedback cycles help students understand how they can improve themselves.

Reports are shared with parents twice a year, highlighting both skill development and learning behaviours.

5. Technology in PE

We harness technology to enhance learning:

Videos and Demonstrations: Students watch and learn techniques before trying them out.
Performance Review: Students may record their own movements to reflect and improve.
Home Challenges: Fun online fitness activities encourage students to stay active outside school hours.
Safe Digital Habits: Students are taught to use technology respectfully and responsibly even in PE contexts.

Our Commitment to Parents and Community

We believe that parents play a vital role in every child’s growth in PE:

Communication:

Parents receive updates through Parents Gateway about PE activities, student progress, and ways to encourage active lifestyles at home.

Partnerships:

We collaborate with community partners to offer students enriched sports learning experiences, workshops, and active lifestyle campaigns.

Together, we build a strong support system around every child to promote a lifetime of healthy living and personal excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if my child is not very sporty?

At RVPS, we believe every child can succeed in PE.

Our lessons are designed to cater to all abilities. Students are encouraged to focus on personal improvement, not just competition. We celebrate effort, resilience, and trying new things.

2. How is my child assessed in PE?

We focus on growth and skill development, not just performance.

Teachers assess students based on:

How well they apply movement skills
How they demonstrate teamwork and fair play
How they reflect and set goals for improvement

You will receive updates twice a year on your child's progress.

3. What kind of sports or activities will my child experience?

Your child will experience a wide range, including:

Dance, gymnastics, and fundamental movement skills (lower primary)
Games, sports concepts, and teamwork challenges (middle and upper primary)
Leadership roles like being a referee, team coach, or event planner (upper primary)

4. How does technology fit into PE lessons?

We use technology to enhance learning, not replace physical activity.

For example, students may watch short videos to understand techniques, record their own skills for self-reflection, or join online fitness challenges to stay active at home.

5. How does RVPS promote values through PE?

Through every game, activity, and challenge, we nurture important life values:

Respect for others
Responsibility for actions
Resilience during setbacks
Teamwork and empathy We also align with the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and national 21st Century Competencies.