You’ll see the letters “PE” in school timetables, on kit lists, and in curriculum plans, but what do they actually mean? Whether you're a new parent or a trainee teacher, you may find yourself asking: What does PE stand for, and what happens in a PE lesson?
PE Meaning and Definition
PE stands for Physical Education. AfPE defines PE as “…the planned, progressive learning that takes place in the school curriculum and which is delivered to all pupils. This involves both ‘learning to move’ (i.e. becoming more physically competent) and ‘moving to learn’ (e.g. learning through movement, a range of skills and understandings beyond physical activity, such as co-operating with others). The context for the learning is physical activity, with children experiencing a broad range of activities, including sport and dance.”
In other words, this PE definition says children learning to become confident movers, understand how their bodies work, and enjoy being active in various activities. The biggest mistake people make when discussing PE is confusing it with physical activity or sport. Physical activity refers to any time the body is moving and expending energy, and sport is a structured activity outside the curriculum, including extra-curricular school activities or local sports clubs.
What Does PE Mean in Primary Schools?
In primary education, PE is a statutory subject in the National Curriculum in England. This means that all schools must teach PE regularly. In Key Stage 1, children are expected to master and apply basic movements in a range of activities, participate in team games using simpler tactics, and perform dances using simple movement patterns. This then develops in Key Stage 2 to applying these fundamental movement skills to a wide range of activities, taking part in competitive activities, and comparing their own level of performance with that of others.
Why Is PE Important?
Understanding what PE means goes beyond the definition; it’s about the impact. PE develops physical literacy, awareness of health and the body, and how to work with others by developing social skills and resilience to overcome challenges for success. When taught well, PE gives children the tools they need to lead active, healthy lives long after they leave school.
PE stands for Physical Education, which is vital to every child's development. If you're a teacher, understanding the meaning of PE is the first step in delivering high-quality, inclusive, and engaging lessons. If you're a parent, knowing what PE means helps you support your child to get the most from their experience.