The Rule of 5 Skill Development
Minimum Standards of Performance in Physical Education

A teaching manual by Val Sabin

This manual is divided into 3 clear sections and addresses skill development issues and expected minimum standards of performance in Key Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Section (i)
The context and development of the model

The Rule of Five is a simple formula and model for analysing and developing any physical skills from its simple origin through its most complex and advanced form.

This model is developed from the premise that there are basically 5 broad components of skill development:

1. Five points in The new Programme of Study (Secondary)
2. Five basic core elements of skill development
3. Five broad categories of skills
4. Five principles of movement
5. Five skills involving the use of equipment

By identifying the five core elements of each one of these key components in some detail and setting them in a model comprising concentric circles, it is possible to take a basic skill and track any number of ways of developing it. A teacher need never be without ideas for challenging and extending those with a higher level of development or the gifted or talented.

Section (ii)
Identification of more specific skills in the core categories

Central to the study of skill development is the acknowledgement that types of skills have generic roots and links across the whole of the PE Curriculum and are developed into specific techniques appropriate for the activity.

The Rule of 5 gives an uncomplicated overview of these links and clarifies and illustrates how the skills can be developed to suit the environment or context. These are very detailed examples of each of the core skills and show how they fit into the different aspects of PE e.g. games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, outdoor and adventurous activities, swimming, fitness and health.

Section (iii)
Identification of the Minimum expected Standards of Performance in PE

This is a very full and detailed section which identifies what pupils should know, understand and be able to do in every aspect of Physical Education at Yrs 2,4,6, 9 and 11. Achievement of these standards will indicate that pupils have reached the appropriate attainment target level for that age group.

This publication can be used as an invaluable tool for planning the curriculum, helping pupils to achieve and assessment.