What is Physical Literacy, and how can PESSPA help your pupils achieve it?

What is Physical Literacy? 
Physical literacy is the foundation for a healthy, active life. According to the Physical Literacy Consensus Statement for England, physical literacy is defined as: 

"Our relationship with movement and physical activity throughout life." 

 
This relationship is influenced by our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It shapes how we engage with physical activity and can determine whether we choose to be active. When nurtured positively, it supports lifelong well-being, enjoyment, and quality of life. 

It's about more than just learning sports skills; it's about developing the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engaging in physical activity for life. Physical literacy is inclusive and relevant to everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability. 

For primary-aged children, this means: 

• Feeling confident to try new activities.
  • Building competence across a range of movements and sports.
  • Enjoying being active at school, at home, and beyond. 
  • Understanding how physical activity supports health and well-being. 

When we nurture physical literacy in schools, we set children up for a lifetime of success. We give them the tools to stay active, healthy, and happy well into adulthood. 

How does PESSPA support physical literacy? 

PESSPA - Physical Education, School Sport, and Physical Activity - provides the structure and opportunities for pupils to develop physical literacy in a supportive, engaging, and inclusive manner. 

How does it break down? 

• Physical Education (PE): As defined by afPE, 'Physical education is the planned, progressive learning that takes place in school curriculum timetabled time', with all children experiencing a broad range of activities, including different sports, dance, and gymnastics. PE builds key knowledge, skills, and understanding through 'learning to move' and 'moving to learn' (e.g., learning through movement, a range of skills such as cooperating with others). 
  
  
• School Sport: Structured learning beyond the school day within a school setting, also known as 'out-of-hours learning.' School sports involve extracurricular, physically active opportunities to learn, build teamwork, and develop resilience. Whether it's a football club or dance sessions, school sports help pupils discover their passions and provide a vital link to community sports.
  
  
• Physical activity: 'All bodily movement that uses energy!' In reality, this is an everyday movement that extends beyond PE lessons and after-school clubs; it includes active playtimes, classroom energisers, and active travel. Through everyday movement, pupils build habits, confidence, and enjoyment in being physically active.

Together, PESSPA creates a culture where movement is valued, normalised, and fun, key ingredients for physical literacy. 

Why does physical literacy matter? 

The benefits of physical literacy are wide-ranging and well-evidenced: 

• Improved physical and mental health
• Increased confidence, self-esteem, and resilience
• Better focus and academic attainment
• Stronger teamwork, leadership, and social skills
• A lifelong love of movement 

How Aspire can help: 

At Aspire, we're passionate about helping schools nurture physically literate pupils. We provide: 
• Expert PE delivery that aligns with the National Curriculum. 
• School Sport clubs and competitions that engage and inspire. 
• Physically active learning programmes, such as Maths on the Move and English on the Move. 
• Staff CPD and support to build confidence and skills across your team. 

Together, we can create an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive through movement. 

Contact us today to explore how Aspire can support your school's journey towards physical literacy.