This week we begin our third four‑week block of PE. So far this term, the class has enjoyed learning dance and handball, and we wanted to share what we’ve been working on.

Dance

In our dance block, pupils explored how to use movement to express ideas. We focused on:

• Using imagination and responding to different stimuli
• Travelling, stillness, shapes, jumps and gestures
• Changing rhythm, speed, level and direction
• Repeating patterns in movement
• Showing expression and confidence

The children had great fun experimenting with creative movement and performing short sequences.

Handball

During handball, we concentrated on building throwing and catching skills and taking part in small‑sided games. Pupils learned some of the key rules of the sport:

• Players have 3 seconds to pass or shoot
• Players may take 3 steps only while holding the ball

We also practised moving into space to make successful passes and talked about how handball is a fast‑paced, exciting team game.

Exciting Equipment Updates This Week!

This Week’s Equipment Highlights

• New Heights: One box was set higher, and another had a lower bench leading up to it, adding variety and challenge.
• Ropes Added: The ropes were introduced this week and were a huge hit with the pupils!
• Directional Changes: We included a mix of benches, beams, and tables with changes of direction to keep things interesting and engaging.

Rolls, Handstands and Cartwheels

This term, all pupils will be taking part in gymnastics, starting with mat skills and progressing to apparatus work. Gymnastics is a fantastic way for children to develop confidence, coordination, and strength while working at their own level.

Mat Skills Focus:

• Balances
• Jumps
• Rolls
• Handstands
• Cartwheels

Apparatus Focus:

• Pupils will explore different equipment setups
• They’ll be encouraged to create their own ways of moving from one side to the other

This approach supports creativity, problem-solving, and physical literacy.

Everybody loves this term in the gym, so I’m sure their will be plenty to talk about when they get home.

 

PE Reminder

Please ensure pupils:

• Come dressed appropriately on PE days
• Have appropriate footwear.  Now that the weather is changing, footwear can be changed before PE.
• Have hair tied up
• Remove jewellery and watches before the session

Week 1

Over the last three weeks of term 1, our PE lessons centred around rugby skills, especially passing and moving with the ball. Pupils learnt some key rules of the game:

• Passes must go backwards.
• The team must stay behind the ball carrier.
• A forward pass or drop results in a knock-on, giving possession to the other team.

To reinforce these skills, we’ve played a variety of fun and active games:

🎯 Canadian Goose

Everyone starts with a ball. On command, balls are placed down and one is removed. Players without a ball become robbers, trying to steal balls and pull flags from others.

🏃 Flag Fury

Players move freely, trying to collect flags from others and attach them to their own belts—only one flag per person before moving on.

🐻 Bears and Buffaloes

Pairs line up in the middle. On their team name being called, they run to score a try while the opposing team tries to pull their tags.

🚪 Great Escape

Attackers start in a central square and try to escape to the edge without losing their tag, while defenders attempt to stop them.

❄️ Rugby Freeze Tag

Catchers tag others using the ball. Tagged players freeze with hands up until freed by a high five.

🪺 Inside the Raven’s Nest

Four teams compete to collect balls from the centre. The goal is to get three balls into their team hoop.

This term, all classes have been working on football in PE, with each year group developing skills at their own level.

In Primary 5, our focus was on dribbling, passing, and shooting, and applying these skills in game situations. The pupils worked hard throughout the block and showed great progress. During the final games, they demonstrated a strong understanding of teamwork, positioning, and movement. It was especially good to see growth in personal qualities such as respect, responsibility, determination, resilience, and tolerance.

Their enthusiasm and improvement have been good, and we’re excited to carry this positive momentum into our next activity block!