High Quality Physical Education at KS1 and KS2

The High Quality PE at KS1 & KS2 programme is a flexible CPD offer designed to support any member of staff teaching PE, including ECTs, RQTs, EQTs, HLTAs and other school staff. Formerly known as the NQT / ECT PE courses, this programme has been updated to reflect the wider range of staff now delivering PE in primary schools.

Schools can access the programme flexibly, depending on staff needs and school priorities. Each section has a different curriculum focus, allowing schools to tailor professional development effectively.

Course structure

The programme is made up of five strands:

  • Section 1: Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) through  gymnastics activities
  • Section 2: Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) through games activities
  • Section 3: Dance
  • Section 4: Athletics
  • Section 5: Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (OAA)

What the training includes

Each section combines:

  • Key theory, covering planning, delivery, review and reflection
  • Adaptations, assessment and recording
  • A strong focus on safety and PE policy
  • Practical elements, where delegates actively take part
  • Observation of a high‑quality PE lesson, taught by a teacher at the host school

This course supports primary schools to build staff confidence, improve teaching quality and ensure safe, inclusive and effective PE provision across KS1 and KS2.

Section1: Gymnastics

This introductory session sets the foundation for the full course programme. It introduces the National Curriculum for PE, outlines expectations for high‑quality practice and supports delegates to build professional connections.

Delegates observe a high‑quality gymnastics lesson, taught by a real teacher with real pupils, and explore how the lesson was planned, delivered and where learning goes next. The session also covers key aspects of organisation, management and safety in PE.

Delegates are encouraged to trial an approach in their own school and return to the next session ready to reflect and share feedback.

Section 2 –Games

This session builds on the National Curriculum for PE, exploring where Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) sit within games teaching. Delegates are introduced to a wider range of game types, moving thinking beyond traditional sports and invasion games.

The session includes observation of a high‑quality lesson, alongside a practical element modelled across Year 1–6, to support progression and inclusion. Delegates also explore how the lesson was developed, next steps for learning, and the organisation and management of games.

Delegates are asked to trial an approach in school and return to the next session ready to share feedback and reflections.

Section 3 – Dance

This session develops confidence and understanding in teaching dance within the PE curriculum. It revisits the National Curriculum for PE, introduces dance “in a nutshell”, and explores dance genres and key vocabulary.

Delegates observe a high‑quality dance lesson and take part in practical activities across Year 1–6, linked to units of work. The session also covers how the lesson was developed, next steps for learning, and the organisation and management of dance in school.

Delegates are encouraged to trial an approach in their own setting and return ready to reflect and share feedback.

Section 4 – Athletics

This session explores how athletics is taught across KS1 and KS2, beginning with a recap of the National Curriculum for PE and the key elements to be covered. Delegates take part in practical activities covering the curriculum from Year 1–6, exploring progression and development over time, and may observe a high‑quality athletics lesson.

The session highlights the progression routes in athletics and covers effective organisation and management, supporting safe, inclusive and purposeful practice.

Section 5 – Outdoor and Adventurous Activities (OAA)

This session introduces Outdoor and Adventurous Activities within the PE curriculum, revisiting the National Curriculum requirements and key areas of OAA. Delegates take part in practical orienteering activities, exploring how learning develops and progresses across the primary phase, and may also observe a high‑quality OAA lesson.

The session also focuses on the organisation and management of OAA, supporting confident and safe delivery in school settings.