PE Curriculum Framework for Primary Years 1–6

A complete Primary PE curriculum planning framework for international schools, covering Years 1–6 with progressive strands, skills, theory, swimming and fitness development.

This ready-to-use Physical Education Curriculum Framework is designed for international primary schools that need a clear, structured and progressive PE programme across Years 1–6. It supports PE teachers, class teachers, Heads of Primary, curriculum leads and school leaders who want a broad, balanced and developmentally appropriate PE curriculum.

The framework is organised around seven key strands: Athletics, Dance, Gymnastics, Games, Outdoor and Adventure Activities, Swimming, and Physical Literacy and Theory. It is designed to promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual development, while helping students build confidence, resilience, fair play, self-discipline and positive attitudes towards lifelong physical activity.

Unlike a simple list of sports, this framework focuses on physical education as a progressive curriculum. It includes movement skills, body awareness, fitness, water safety, swimming development, teamwork, problem-solving, tactical awareness, cross-curricular links and age-appropriate theory lessons.

The document includes guidance on curriculum aims, broad objectives, planning structure, four-term planning, strand organisation, swimming provision and physical literacy. Each year group includes progressive content and learning expectations, helping schools ensure continuity from Year 1 to Year 6.

The swimming section includes a progressive merit badge framework, with distance targets from 5m in Year 1 through to 100m, with an optional 200m Gold target in Year 6. Water safety, pool rules, HELP position, survival backstroke and safe swimming behaviours are also built into the framework.

This resource is particularly useful for schools developing or reviewing their Primary PE curriculum, preparing documentation for curriculum review, supporting new PE teachers, improving consistency across year groups, or building a more structured PE programme in an international school context.

Suitable for international primary schools, British curriculum schools, Cambridge schools and schools seeking a clear PE curriculum structure that can be adapted to their own timetable, facilities and context.