PE in our school

The main emphasis at Key Stage 1 PE is on the physical development of basic motor skills.

Pupils will learn to control objects, apparatus and themselves physically in a variety of situations. They experience progressively more difficult tasks and attempt an increasing range of activities.

Your child will have opportunities to create, refine and perform travelling movements and balances on gymnastics apparatus.

Gymnastics and dance allow possibilities for children to express themselves creatively, too. Your child will also develop key skills, such as throwing and catching which provide numerous opportunities to practise important motor skills. Your child will be asked questions about how their bodies respond to exercise and why it might be important to them. They will begin to make a connection between exercise and their hearts beating faster, their lungs needing more air and feeling more energised afterwards.

How you can help your child at home

• Walk to and from school and whenever else you can.
   
• Provide opportunity for active play with friends outside of school.
   
• Encourage your child to take up a sport or structured exercise hobby.
   
• Encourage moderately intensive activity for at least one hour every day (for example, four 15-minute periods) such as brisk walking, dance, games, swimming, cycling, or active play.
   
• Encourage activities that enhance and maintain muscular strength, flexibility and bone health at least twice a week, such as climbing, skipping, jumping or gymnastics.
   
• Teach your child to be aware of health risks, such as smoking, drinking and stress.
   
• Daily, offer your child five fruit and vegetables in a variety of types and colours.

Tai Chi at our school

Tai Chi is a way to support our mental well being and help us to develop relaxation techniques. It is helps us to engage our bodies and develop our balance and coordination skills. We have been so fortunate to work with Snapdragon who was featured on the BBC. He came to do Tai Chi with our breakfast club and then worked with all our classes. The children have thoroughly enjoyed their time learning Tai Chi and have even been practising at playtimes with their friends.