Physical Education

Physical education for the primary years is a specialist area of educational practice that focuses on how children aged five to eleven experience, learn about and benefit from physical activity and sport. Movement is fundamental to childhood development: it supports cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth, and how PE is taught in the primary years shapes children's relationship with physical activity for life. Teaching PE well at this stage requires deep understanding of child development, sound knowledge of movement and health science, and the pedagogical skills to design and deliver engaging, inclusive and progressive physical activity experiences.

At the University of Chichester, this three-year full-time degree develops your knowledge of physical education, child development and primary teaching alongside extensive practical experience in schools. You will deliver sessions in partner primary schools, organise events and festivals, and learn alongside qualified primary teachers, developing the professional competence and confidence that teaching demands. The programme gives you the scientific knowledge of movement, physiology and physical activity that underpins effective PE teaching, alongside curriculum knowledge, assessment practice and the communication skills needed to work effectively with young children.

Inclusive practice, the needs of children with different abilities and backgrounds, and the promotion of active lifestyles are themes that run throughout.

You will develop as a reflective practitioner, regularly evaluating your teaching and responding to what children need. The school-based elements of the programme are central to this professional development.

Graduates typically go on to qualify as primary school teachers through a further PGCE or School Direct route, or they may use this degree as a foundation for postgraduate teacher training in PE or primary education. Other career pathways include community sport, coaching, sports development, and roles in physical activity promotion and health.