At Helm Academy the PE curriculum is designed to provide every pupil with an inclusive, ambitious and structured pathway through physical education, ensuring all learners experience success, challenge, and personal growth. Delivered through three progressive stages: Fundamentals (Group 1), Application (Group 2), and Mastery and Leadership (Group 3); the curriculum develops pupils’ physical competence, social awareness, and emotional resilience in a way that reflects their individual journeys and starting points.
Learning is linear in progression but flexible in access, allowing pupils to enter at an appropriate point and build confidence through clearly defined, measurable steps. This approach is particularly effective for our learners who have a mix of SEMH and SEND needs by supporting those who may have experienced interrupted education or variable prior experiences. By maintaining a low threshold for entry and a high ceiling for achievement, we will ensure that every pupil can experience early success while still being challenged to develop abstract skills such as performance analysis, problem-solving, and leadership. The curriculum is underpinned by the AQA Unit Award Scheme which provides pupils with recognised, incremental qualifications in most of the areas. This accreditation transforms participation into purposeful, validated achievement, building self-belief and motivation as pupils see tangible outcomes from their effort and commitment.
Our PE curriculum is built upon our trauma-informed culture of “No Judgement, No Blame, No Shame.” This ethos promotes psychological safety and encourages pupils to focus on self-improvement rather than comparison, celebrating progress against their own previous best rather than the progress of others. The use of clear routines, consistent expectations and a predictable structure help to reduce anxiety, enabling all pupils to thrive within a supportive and trustworthy learning environment. As pupils progress through the curriculum, they begin by learning cooperatively, developing trust, communication, and shared responsibility in Group 1. These early experiences lay the foundations for effective teamwork and empathy allowing pupils to begin to take risks in their development both individually and as a group. In Group 2, pupils apply these skills within more complex team contexts where they learn to make decisions, manage conflict, and contribute positively to group outcomes. By Group 3, learners are provided with structured opportunities to lead by guiding peers, planning activities, and taking responsibility for the success and wellbeing of others. This clear developmental pathway, from cooperation to confident leadership, will help to build resilience, autonomy, and a strong sense of community.
Ultimately, Helm Academy’s PE curriculum not only develops physical ability but also strengthens pupils’ confidence, self-awareness, and understanding of the mind–body connection. Through consistent support and challenge we hope that pupils will leave with the skills, motivation, and self-belief to sustain a lifelong, positive relationship with physical activity and health.