What is Physical Literacy?
Physical Literacy gives pupils the tools they need to take part in physical activity and sport, both for healthy life-long enjoyment and for sporting success. The physically literate child can be described as having the motivation, confidence, movement competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take part in physical activity throughout their personal lifelong journey. Research shows that being physically active later in life depends on feeling confident in an activity setting; and that confidence, as an adult, most often comes from having learned a range of specific movement skills as a child.
What are the Fundamental Movement Skills?
FMS are the basic building blocks of movement and a core element of physical literacy, because enhanced movement competence enables pupils to participate in a wide range of physical activities and settings, for a variety of intensities or durations. It is only when these skills are mastered that a child can go on to develop specialised movement skills, which will allow them to reach their potential in sports-specific endeavours. FMS are divided into the following three categories, as seen in the image.
