Simonside Primary School recognises the vital contribution of physical education to a child’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, as well as the role it can play in relation to a child’s spiritual, moral and cultural development. A high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. It provides opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness.
We provide a high-quality, broad and balanced curriculum building on the prior learning of our pupils ensuring the progression and development of key fundamental skills. During their time at Simonside, pupils will take part in a wide range of sporting activities and competitions including: dance, gymnastics, striking and fielding games, ball games, outdoor and adventurous and athletics.
Meet our School Sports Organising Crew
Our new SSOC (School Sports Organising Crew) attended their launch event in November to learn new skills to support them in their role this year. They will be supporting in developing sport across our school.
Through School Games we are proud to announce that we achieved the schools Gold Mark award for 2024/25. 
PE in Early Years
Within Early Years, children are encouraged to explore physical activity through active free-play. Pupils will be introduced to situations where they will be required to develop control and co-ordination alongside gross and fine motor skills. The children will then begin to use these skills in game scenarios as the year and their competence and confidence progresses.
Developing gross motor skills in the outdoors.
PE in Key Stage 1
Children in Key Stage 1 continue to create a foundation of movements and skills that will underpin lifelong participation in sport. Pupils are taught to master their fundamental basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching. Additionally, children will develop their balance, agility and co-ordination. 
PE in Key Stage 2
Children begin to use their movement skills in different ways, linking them to create actions and sequences of movement. These movements develop to include running at different speeds, jumping, throwing and catching and isolation and developing overall fitness, stamina and strength. With a focus on games, children will enjoy communicating, collaborating and competing with others. They will begin to celebrate not only their own but the successes of others, evaluating and suggesting ways to improve.
Swimming in KS2
We are determined that all of our pupils become confident swimmers. Therefore, in KS2, our children attend weekly swimming lessons for a half term in each year group. Swimming sessions are delivered by qualified instructors at Haven Point. We aim for all pupils to swim at least 25m and perform safe self-rescue.
Competitions and Tournaments 
Through our affiliation with South Tyneside School Sports Network (STSSN), pupils will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills acquired through our PE lessons during sporting events. These events can be of a competitive nature, competing against other schools in the local authority or to further develop skills in another setting. In addition to this, we offer weekly sports clubs and activities where children develop skills in sports or other physical activities. Examples of our clubs include: KS2 Football Club, Multi-Skills Clubs, Gymnastics and Dance. Clubs are run by staff and external providers.
We work closely with South Shields Football Club to deliver an exciting range of opportunities for children to participate in over lunchtimes. 
As a school we are committed to help promote active lifestyles within our pupils. Over the course of the year all our pupils get the opportunity to participate in competitive and non-competitive events in a range of sports.
This year we have both boys’ and girls’ football teams taking part in the league matches.
We proudly present our Y5/6 South Tyneside football league champions.
Teach Active
We have a passion for active learning at Simonside and giving children the opportunity to access 60minutes physical activity a day. Teach Active lessons support the PE curriculum whilst enhancing and linking to our English and Maths curriculum. Using active lessons means that children not only have increased levels of physical activity but also raise their confidence, self-esteem, resilience, determination and teamwork skills.
Useful Links for Parents
Change4Life – Sporting activities including ’10 Minute Shake Up’. Alongside this, find easy to cook recipes for children and information on maintaining a healthy diet.
Active Kids – Family friendly activities to keep moving in your living room, garden or local park.
SuperMovers – Fun activities to keep you moving while learning.
Jump Start Jonny – Free workouts to keep those bodies moving.
