P.E. / GAMES

A variety of basic games and gymnastic skills are covered within the curriculum to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle and to introduce facilities and equipment. Every pupil has two lessons a week taught in single sex groups.

In P.E. we aim to develop co-ordination, control and mastery of the body by means of activities such as gymnastics, dance, country dancing, athletics, cross-country running, a variety of ball games and fitness training. All pupils participate in the annual Cross Country and Athletics Standards competitions. A variety of extra curricular activities take place at lunchtimes and after school throughout the year, such as aerobics, badminton, basketball, cross-country, football, gymnastics and netball. Teams are entered in regional leagues for football, netball and cross-country running. Fixtures against other schools in other sports take place on an occasional basis.

Football, hockey, cricket, rugby, tennis, rounders, basketball, softball, netball and athletics are taught during P.E. lessons. The recently constructed all-weather area, changing block and pitch drainage work have greatly increased opportunities for curricular and extra curricular sport as well as providing for community use. Inside, the gym has fixed and moveable apparatus.

If pupils are well enough to attend school it is rare that they can take no part whatsoever in the lesson. Therefore it is helpful if letters regarding participation in PE are as specific as possible about the nature of the illness or injury and state what you think your child could safely do or specifically what it is you do not want your child to do.

For example, if sustained exertion causes difficulties, walking, knowing that it is alright to stop if there is any discomfort, may not do any harm. If you feel that no activity at all is advisable, it would be appreciated if you could have a word with the P.E. teacher beforehand.

In any case, pupils should bring kit and, if necessary, a tracksuit. If any exercise is undesirable, pupils may be asked to help to officiate or record. Some form of participation in the lesson, at a safe and sensible level, is preferable to none at all wherever possible.

We do not want pupils to be put at risk of worsening any injury or illness through physical activity. Parental requests are adhered to and staff also use their professional judgement in making decisions about participation when pupils become unwell or are hurt after arrival at school. In the event of any problems or queries regarding participation in P.E. lessons, staff will contact parents directly.

Several pupils suffer from asthma. In line with school policy, teachers involved in sports play a major role in the good management of asthma. Normal activity should be the aim for all children with asthma and with proper treatment this should easily be achieved. Asthma doesn’t have to be a barrier to sporting success. However, nearly all young people with asthma CAN and DO become wheezy during exercise, particularly continuous exercise such as cross-country running.
Pupils are encouraged to take suitable pre-medication before they exercise. If the pupil becomes wheezy or breathless a further dose of their reliever inhaler should be taken. Pupils who use inhalers should bring them to school and keep them close at hand at all times. Children who appear too wheezy or say that they cannot continue are allowed to rest.