PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SENSORY

Physical Education and Sensory Regulation

At Bishopswood School, Physical Education (PE) and Sensory Regulation are integral parts of our curriculum, supporting pupils in developing physical skills, body awareness, coordination, self-regulation, and overall well-being. Our approach ensures that every pupil, regardless of ability, has access to meaningful and engaging movement experiences that promote health, independence, and participation in physical activity.

Through a structured, sequential curriculum, we provide pupils with the skills and confidence they need to move with purpose, regulate their emotions, engage in physical activity, and develop life-long healthy habits.

Intent

Our PE and Sensory Regulation curriculum aims to:
✔ Develop movement skills, coordination, strength, and mobility in a way that is adapted to each pupil’s needs.
✔ Support self-regulation, ensuring pupils develop strategies to manage their emotions and sensory needs effectively.
✔ Encourage participation in physical activity, fostering enjoyment, confidence, and an understanding of the importance of health and well-being.
✔ Promote independence and functional movement, ensuring pupils can apply physical skills in everyday life, such as walking, balancing, dressing, and accessing their community.
✔ Provide inclusive and engaging physical activities, ensuring all pupils can take part in sport, exercise, and active play.
✔ Develop social and teamwork skills, supporting pupils to engage in group activities, games, and competitions.

Implementation Across Pathways

Our PE and Sensory Regulation curriculum is tailored across the Sensory, Communication, and Core Pathways, ensuring every pupil accesses movement and regulation activities in a way that meets their individual needs.

Sensory Pathway – Movement and Body Awareness

Pupils in the Sensory Pathway access pre-formal movement and regulation experiences that focus on body awareness, sensory integration, and engagement with movement. Activities are designed to be low-demand, exploratory, and sensory-rich, helping pupils develop self-regulation and physical coordination.

Examples of Learning in the Sensory Pathway:

Sensory Circuits – Engaging pupils in movement sequences that help regulate their emotions and energy levels.
Rebound Therapy – Using trampolines to improve balance, coordination, and relaxation.
Hydrotherapy – Providing low-impact movement experiences to support mobility and sensory engagement.
Tactile and Vestibular Stimulation – Encouraging movement through swings, weighted blankets, sensory play, and massage therapy.
Music and Movement – Using dance, rhythmic activities, and interactive music sessions to encourage physical engagement.

Communication Pathway – functional movement and active play

Pupils in the Communication Pathway develop gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and self-regulation strategies through structured physical education, sensory breaks, and active play. The focus is on building functional movement skills that support independence and participation in everyday activities.

Examples of Learning in the Communication Pathway:

Adapted PE Lessons – Engaging pupils in team games, ball skills, and fundamental movement activities.
Travel Training – Developing road safety awareness and independent mobility.
Outdoor Exploration and Play – Encouraging movement through obstacle courses, climbing frames, and nature walks.
Personalised Sensory Breaks – Ensuring pupils have access to fidget tools, movement breaks, and calming strategies throughout the day.
Fine Motor Development – Activities such as gripping, threading, and manipulating objects to improve dexterity.
Yoga and Mindfulness – Supporting relaxation, flexibility, and self-regulation through structured movement activities.

Core Pathway – Physical Fitness, Sport, and Independence

Pupils in the Core Pathway engage in structured PE lessons, competitive sports, and independent movement skills, ensuring they develop the physical abilities and confidence needed for adulthood. The focus is on fitness, teamwork, resilience, and real-life application of movement skills.

Examples of Learning in the Core Pathway:

Swimming and Water Safety – Ensuring pupils gain confidence in water and develop essential safety skills.
Fitness and Well-Being – Encouraging pupils to engage in exercise routines, strength training, and aerobic activities.
Outdoor Education – Developing navigation, survival skills, and outdoor problem-solving through activities such as orienteering and forest school.
Work-Related Movement Skills – Ensuring pupils develop the physical skills needed for employment, such as lifting, carrying, and movement awareness in different settings.

Trips, Community Access, and Real-World Application

At Bishopswood School, we actively take learning beyond the classroom, ensuring pupils apply movement and regulation skills in real-life contexts.

✔ Accessing Leisure Centres and Sports Facilities – Pupils engage in gym visits, swimming, and fitness training in the local community.
✔ Exploring Outdoor Environments – Forest schools, nature trails, and adventure activities enhance physical fitness and resilience.
✔ Independent Travel Training – Supporting pupils in developing road safety, cycling confidence, and navigating public transport.
✔ Sports Days and External Competitions – Providing opportunities for pupils to celebrate achievements, build confidence, and participate in friendly competitions.
✔ Personalised Sensory Diets – Supporting pupils with individual movement and sensory needs, ensuring they can regulate their energy and emotions effectively.

Impact

Through our broad, practical, and real-life-focused PE and Sensory Regulation curriculum, pupils at Bishopswood School:
✔ Develop confidence in movement and body awareness, enhancing physical skills and mobility.
✔ Build resilience and teamwork, learning to engage positively in group activities.
✔ Learn self-regulation strategies, helping them manage their emotions and energy levels.
✔ Apply movement skills to everyday life, improving independence in travel, work, and self-care.
✔ Engage in an active and healthy lifestyle, understanding the importance of physical well-being.
✔ Access their community with confidence, participating in leisure, travel, and sporting activities.

At Bishopswood School, Physical Education and Sensory Regulation are more than just movement—they are about empowering pupils with the skills, confidence, and independence they need for life beyond school.