Physical Activity Policy
Aims
This policy aims to establish an “active school” ethos and environment which will increase activity levels and promote health within and outside the curriculum.
It aims to ensure that the organised activity levels of the children are effective in assisting them to become healthy and well exercised individuals. The policy relates also to activity levels which take place outside organised lessons but which enhance these activity levels.
It aims to assist children to develop and explore physical skills with increasing control and coordination.
It aims also to create an environment in which children understand how exercise affects their body.
Objectives
- An extensive and wide ranging PE programme which exceeds the statutory National Curriculum requirements.
- A PE and Games programme which provides a wide range of physical challenges.
- A diverse range of extra-curricular activities, many offering a degree of physical activity.
- The provision of safe and stimulating areas in which children can play and be active.
- Breaktimes that have an active focus.
- Developing an enjoyment of physical activity that the children will take beyond the school.
- Encouraging staff as well as children to participate in and enjoy physical activity.
Links to Other School Policies
Equal Opportunities Policy
Teaching and Learning Policy
Curriculum Statement
Inclusion Policy
Staffing Levels and Responsibilities
The Director of Sport is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the PE curriculum. The Director of Sport, in association with the Head, oversees the range of physical activities on offer. The Director of Sport also oversees the extra-curricular provision. Clubs are run by the staff. The Lunchtime Supervisors are managed by the Head, and their responsibilities include an increased provision of physical activities during lunchtimes.
Curricular Programme
PE is regarded as an important part of our curricular offering. In Pre-Prep classes dance, fundamental movement skills, athletics, gymnastics, trampolining, swimming and games are taught. In Prep classes dance, athletics, gymnastics, swimming, fitness, problem solving, basketball, handball, badminton and games are taught in all year groups. Outward bound forms part of the yearly curriculum from year 2 upwards.
Pre-Prep children have one PE lesson a week and Games time. This amounts to 1 hour 35 minutes per week.
Prep children have two PE lessons and two games sessions per week. This amounts to 3 hours 30 minutes per week.
Pupils are expected to take part in all PE and games lessons when they are attending school. A note to excuse children from major injury is required. Injured children will still take part in the role of coach/official/assessor (A common cold or the like is not an excusable excuse.)
The curriculum plan for PE is carried out in 3 phases (long term, medium term and short term). The long term plan maps out the PE covered in each term,
Medium term plans are those provided in the scheme of work.
PE teachers should produce an individual plan for each PE lesson taught.
In the Foundation Stage we encourage the physical development of our children in the Kindergarten and Reception classes. We use the objectives set out in the Early Learning Goals. We encourage the children to develop confidence and control in the way they move and handle tools and equipment.
All children should have experience of both indoor and outdoor PE.
Forest School classes are an important part of the PE curriculum for Foundation Stage children and also for Year 1 and 2 classes.
Extra Curricular Programme
The school provides a range of extra curricular activities for children, run by the staff and external providers.
The curricular activities after school are varied, including competitive and non-competitive clubs. We offer a range of clubs for different age groups, at different times of the year. The timetable for these activities is always available on the school’s website.
Outdoor Pursuits, Outward Bound and Camping
All children in Years 2 to 6 will participate in an outward bound experience. This will involve the use of residential centres and camps.
Competitive Fixtures
There is an extensive programme of competitive school fixtures for children in Years 3 to 6. The school is committed to an inclusive approach, offering sufficient teams for all children to represent the school. Children will be taught in teams set out by the staff. These teams will be differentiated as A, B and C teams to ensure the correct level of coaching is taking place and that fixtures are matched to the child’s ability. As many fixtures as possible will be made for all teams. Movement between the teams will also occur so that each child is catered for as they move through the year.
Break Time Philosophy
We will always try to provide time for children to go outside. Only the heaviest of rain or unsafe conditions will lead to an indoor break time. Parents are advised to ensure children have appropriate clothing for cold or wet conditions.
Staff Physical Activity
All staff are expected to show a commitment to the games programme. The school supports activities such as dance performances and in house matches at the end of each term.
Facilities Available for Physical Activity
The Cobb (an indoor space for PE and other activities), The Barn (a larger indoor space), the swimming pool, the hard surface playground and the school’s upper and lower fields are provided use in PE and physical activities. The Forest School area is used by younger children. There are adjacent fields for cross country running and walking.
Organisation
All PE lessons are taught in mixed groups, ability and gender.
Games sessions are taught in gender groups and differentiated by a
A, B and C teams.
Both children and teachers should wear appropriate clothing for PE.
PE kit is itemised in the uniform list.
No jewellery should be worn during any physical activity. Earrings are not acceptable with tape. They have to be removed.
Training
The Director of Sport is responsible for the identification and organisation of staff training. The Director of Sport can deliver the training or use visiting sports teachers.
Resource Provision
The Director of Sport is responsible for the stock and replacement of equipment. There are separate budgets for Boys Games, Girls Games and PE. There is a small budget for lunchtime supervisors.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The Director of Sport should monitor plans and assessments yearly.
September 2017