KS2 · Year 5 · National Curriculum Aligned
Year 5 PE Scheme of Work
In Year 5, pupils engage with PE at a higher level of challenge, complexity and tactical thinking. They are expected to demonstrate sustained skill and apply knowledge of tactics and strategy across a range of activities. The curriculum builds athletic confidence, leadership skills and the ability to evaluate performance with increasing sophistication.
Pupils take greater responsibility for their own learning, officiating, coaching and leading others. They develop understanding of how training, warm-up and cool-down contribute to healthy performance and begin to explore sport-specific coaching points and techniques.
At a glance
Units
6 half-term units
Key stage
KS2
Year group
Year 5
NC alignment
Full programmes of study
Expected prior knowledge
- ✓Net and wall game skills and tactics from Y4
- ✓Invasion game principles: attack, defend, support and create space from Y4
- ✓Gymnastics sequences on apparatus from Y3 and Y4
- ✓Athletics events and personal best recording from Y4
Units across the year
Six half-term units covering all strands of the KS2 PE programme of study.
Autumn 1Games
Net and Wall Games
National Curriculum objectives
- –To develop and apply more advanced net game techniques and tactics
- –To understand court positioning, angles and placement in net games
- –To compete and officiate in singles and doubles formats
Key activities
- –Developing serve techniques: overarm serve in tennis/badminton format
- –Net game tactics: hitting to space, consistency vs. winners, doubles positioning
- –Playing best-of-three match formats with scoring responsibility
- –Officiating: calling in/out and keeping score honestly
- –Video or peer analysis of technique with coaching points
Key vocabulary
servevolleyplacementanglebaselinesmashdoublesofficial
Autumn 2Games
Invasion Games: Tactics
National Curriculum objectives
- –To apply and adapt tactics in invasion games under competitive pressure
- –To develop skills in a specific invasion game to a higher level of accuracy
- –To lead a warm-up or skill practice for peers
Key activities
- –Specific skill development: passing under pressure, shooting on the move
- –Tactical concepts: overlapping runs, switch play, pressing high
- –Playing 5v5 and 7v7 games with structured half-time tactical discussions
- –Pupils leading a drill or small-group practice
- –Creating a team game plan and evaluating whether it worked
Key vocabulary
overlapswitchpresssupportthrough-balltransitiongame planevaluate
Spring 1Gymnastics
Gymnastics: Advanced Sequences
National Curriculum objectives
- –To perform longer and more complex gymnastics sequences with clarity and control
- –To include flight, inversion and partner work in sequences
- –To evaluate sequences using technical criteria
Key activities
- –Developing advanced individual skills: round-off, supported headstand, dive forward roll
- –Partner balance work: supporting, counter-balance and mirroring
- –Creating an 8-action sequence using at least three levels and two inversions
- –Performing sequences on a full apparatus circuit
- –Formal peer assessment using a 3-point criteria card
Key vocabulary
inversionflightround-offcounter-balancecriteriasustainedfluentcomplex
Spring 2Athletics
Athletics
National Curriculum objectives
- –To develop athletic performance across running, jumping and throwing disciplines
- –To use training principles to improve specific athletic events
- –To compete in a range of events and compare performance over time
Key activities
- –Hurdles: stepping pattern and lead leg technique over low hurdles
- –Long jump: improving approach run and flight position
- –Discus (light beginners disc): grip, stance and release
- –Middle distance running: 600m and 800m pace strategy
- –School athletics tournament: competing across at least three events
Key vocabulary
hurdlediscusapproachflightpacemiddle distancetournamentevent
Summer 1Dance
Dance: Cultural and Historical Styles
National Curriculum objectives
- –To perform dances from a range of cultural and historical contexts
- –To appreciate and respond to dance from different traditions
- –To choreograph an extended dance piece drawing on cultural influences
Key activities
- –Exploring dance styles: street dance, Bollywood, traditional Irish, samba
- –Learning key movement phrases from two contrasting styles
- –Discussing the cultural and historical context of each style
- –Choreographing a fusion piece that combines elements from two styles
- –Performing to a wider audience and gathering feedback
Key vocabulary
culturetraditionfusionchoreographstyleBollywoodsambarhythm
Summer 2Games
Striking and Fielding
National Curriculum objectives
- –To develop striking and fielding skills in a full-game context
- –To apply fielding tactics to restrict scoring
- –To contribute to team success as batter, fielder and captain
Key activities
- –Batting: developing both power and placement, running between wickets
- –Bowling: accuracy and varying pace and flight
- –Specialist fielding positions: short-stop, deep fielder and wicket keeper
- –Playing full-format rounders or kwik cricket with pupil-led officiating
- –Tactical discussion: setting a field, choosing bowling strategies
Key vocabulary
battingbowlingfieldingplacementwicketfield settingtacticcaptain
Progression into Year 6
In Year 6, pupils complete their primary PE education with an emphasis on performance, leadership and competitive sport. They compete in formal athletics events, compose advanced gymnastic routines, take on choreographic responsibility in dance and apply sophisticated tactical thinking across all game types.
Individual lesson plans
Full lesson frameworks — learning objectives, vocabulary, lesson structure, and common misconceptions — for each unit in this scheme.
View all Year 5 PE lesson plans →