Mab’s Cross Primary School
Policy
for
Physical Education
(including physical activity and sport)
(February 2010)
Context
Mab’s Cross is a large Community Primary School, which is situated close to Wigan town centre, with 435 pupils in 15 classes from Reception to Y6. The school has close links with Hope Special School which caters for children with severe learning difficulties and 6 of their pupils attend Mab’s Cross, to be taught within mainstream education with support as appropriate.
Process of consultation
This policy has been written by the PE manager in consultation with staff, pupils, parents/carers, the SSCo(Schools Sports Co-ordinator), the Healthy Schools Working Party.
Policy Statement
At Mab’s Cross we believe that physical education, experienced in a safe and supportive environment, is a unique and vital contributor to a pupil’s physical development and well-being.
A broad and balanced physical education curriculum is intended to provide for pupils’ increasing self-confidence in their ability to manage themselves and their bodies within a variety of movement situations. Progressive learning objectives, combined with sympathetic and varied teaching approaches, endeavour to provide stimulating, enjoyable, satisfying and appropriately challenging learning experiences for all pupils. Through the selection of suitably differentiated and logically developed tasks, it is intended that pupils, irrespective of their innate ability, will enjoy success and be motivated to further develop their individual potential.
A balance of individual, paired and group activities; co-operative, collaborative and competitive situations aims to cater for the preferences, strengths and needs of every pupil. Such activities, experienced within a range of areas of activity, aim to promote a broad base of movement knowledge, skills and understanding. They are also desirous of developing a pupil’s ability to work independently and to respond appropriately and sympathetically to others, irrespective of their age, gender, cultural or ethnic background.
The activities offered and the teaching approaches adopted seek to provide pupils with opportunities to develop their creative and expressive abilities, through improvisation and problem-solving. Pupils are encouraged to appreciate the importance of a healthy and fit body, and begin to understand those factors that affect health and fitness. This work is closely aligned with the criteria for achieving National Healthy School Status and especially those for Physical Activity.
Whilst retaining its unique contribution to a pupil’s movement education,
physical education also has considerable potential to contribute to much wider areas of learning. It is considered important that physical education is integrated into the whole school’s planning for the development of pupils’ communication, numeracy, PSHE and ICT skills.
Physical education supports the mission statement in its encouragement of acquiring and developing physical skills; encouraging self esteem, creativity and respect for self and others.
Here at Mab’s Cross there are numerous occasions when children can be physically active and these have been categorised as follows :
Physical Education (PE)– National Curriculum entitlement covered in lessons within curriculum time.
Structured physical activity –where there is an element of learning eg. Y6 Play Leaders leading lunchtime physical activities, staff leading Wake Up and Shake Up sessions, after school sports and physical activity clubs.
General physical activity – playtimes and lunchtimes when the children play their own games with no intervention.
For the purpose of this policy, physical activity encompasses all the above 3 categories.
Aims and Objectives
At Mab’s Cross we are committed to increasing the activity levels of the whole school through the provision of a supportive environment conducive to the promotion of physical activity.
Our aims for PE are to:
- develop skilful use of the body, the ability to remember, repeat and refine actions and to perform them with increasing control, co-ordination and fluency [acquiring and developing].
- develop an increasing ability to select, link and apply skills, tactics and compositional ideas [selecting and applying].
- improve observation skills and the ability to describe and make simple judgements on their own and others work, and to use their observations and judgements to improve performance [improving and evaluating].
- develop an understanding of the effects of exercise on the body, and an appreciation of the value of safe exercising [knowledge and understanding of fitness and health].
- develop the ability to work independently, and communicate with and respond positively towards others [working alone and with others].
- promote an understanding of safe practice, and develop a sense of responsibility towards their own and others’ safety and well-being [applying safety principles].
To meet our aims in the wider context of physical activity we will provide quality physical activity opportunities outside curriculum time which:
- consider the needs and interests of all pupils
- promote positive attitudes towards participation in physical activity
- enable pupils to develop a full range of basic movement skills
- increase pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the importance of physical activity
- increase pupil participation in physical activity outside of curriculum time
- provide safe and stimulating areas in which children can play and be active
- involve more Adults Other Than Teachers (AOTTs) and qualified professionals in leading or assisting with out of hours activities
Organisation and Planning including and pupil Entitlement
The PE Manager is responsible for co-ordinating all aspects of physical activity at Mab’s Cross. Every child enjoys 2 hours a week minimum of planned curriculum time PE and many more children are involved in structured or Out of School Hours Learning (OSHL) physical activities.
The curriculum is planned using the Wigan Scheme of Work, the Newcastle PE Scheme, LCP units and Val Sabin schemes of work for gymnastics, dance and games.
Foundation and KS1 cover gymnastics, games and dance.
KS2 pupils cover gymnastics, games, dance and athletics. Pupils in KS2 go for swimming lessons for a total of 6 terms – 3 in Y3, 2 in Y4 and 1 in Y5. OAA is covered on a residential trip for Y6 during the spring and during the spring term 2009, the KS2 staff took part in 2 OAA twilight inset sessions, led by the SSCo, to give a range of ideas for using team building and other outdoor activities.
All 3 areas of games (net/wall, invasion and striking/fielding) are covered each year to provide a balance in opportunity.
Every class is allocated at least 1 lesson in the hall per year for their gymnastics lessons and all KS1 classes have a dining room lesson for their dance.
Teaching and Learning
Lessons are blocked in units of work to promote greater depth of understanding, developing of skills, contextual application of these skills and the ability to perform reflectively. Children are presented with opportunities to be creative, competitive, co-operative and to face challenges as individuals and in small groups or teams. They learn how to think in different ways to suit the different challenges. They are given the opportunity to demonstrate their learning, using a range of communication styles, allowing for effective assessment. This assessment will be used to inform planning and promote greater learning.
The structure of the scheme of work provides both continuity and progression of skills, knowledge and understanding.
PE is taught throughout the day, although most KS2 lessons are in the afternoon to fit in with other timetabling requirements and the availability of off-site facilities.
Facilities for Physical Activity and the Learning Environment
On site facilities are the hall, which is used for gymnastics, dance and games; the dining room which is used for dance and the playground which is used for games and athletics.
As the school has no playing field,, the facilities at the Robin Park sporting complex are used by the children in Years 4 to 6 for tennis, cricket, tag rugby and athletics. Swimming lessons are held at Hindley baths for Y4 and Y5 and at St Wilfrid’s School for Y3.
The hall is cleaned daily and swept after lunchtimes, the playground is safe and free from hazards and there is adequate lighting and ventilation in all learning areas.
Equipment and Resources
Equipment and resources are stored in the hall and in the outside container. An audit of resources is completed annually and all teaching and support staff receive a copy.
The PE budget is allocated on an annual basis according to specific identified needs. The PE manager is responsible for purchasing the equipment and for arranging for outside agencies (Wigan Gymnastics Service) to check the gymnastics equipment.
The pupils are encouraged to:
- look after resources
- use different resources to promote learning
- return all resources tidily and to the correct place (staff should oversee)
- be told of any safety procedures relating to the carrying or handling of resources.
Play Leaders have access to small games equipment at lunchtimes.
Staff including AOTTs
Teachers take their own classes for PE. One of our teaching assistants is also a qualified rugby league coach and where appropriate she leads lessons and also warm ups. A Teaching Assistant also has responsibility for training and supervising the Y6 Play Leaders at lunchtimes.
The PE Manager plans the work of the AOTTs in accordance with the activities which are to be run from term to term.
Where outside personnel are used to deliver school sport eg. coaches from the Sports Development Unit, local sports coaches, Wigan Warriors or Wigan Athletic, their lesson plans are monitored to ensure they are appropriate for the year group.
AOTTs are used for many of the OHSL physical activities -currently for tennis, karate and football.
Parents/Carers are encouraged to support their children at physical activity/sporting events eg. rugby, netball, athletics, and mini games festivals.
Where possible parents/carers help with transporting children only when permission has been sought from all parents/carers involved and providing legal requirements are strictly adhered to with regard to booster seats for children below a certain height.
OSHL
At Mab’s Cross we believe that out of hours learning has an important role to play in raising learners’ levels of achievement and motivation, and in extending their opportunities for participation beyond those provided within the curricular programme.
The out of hours programme complements and supplements the curricular programme, allowing learners to build on curricular experiences and learning, and have access to new activities and learning environments.
Out of hours participation is viewed as an important contributor to the development of good exercising habits and due consideration is given to the inclusion of activities within the local community to which learners have access.
The programme caters for learners’ differing interests and preferences by providing a balance of team and individual activities, conventional games and enabling activities, and competitive and non-competitive activities.
Every learner is afforded equal access to out of hours provision, irrespective of their age, gender or socio-economic background. All have equality of opportunity to extend their skills, knowledge and understanding in accordance with the subject’s ‘Equal Opportunities Policy’
Inter-school activities and competitions provide valuable opportunities for learners to meet with peers and adults outside the immediate school environment, develop inter-personal skills and increase their self-confidence. We currently take part in cross country, rugby, high fives, and athletics against other schools.
The achievements of all groups and teams irrespective of their age and gender makeup are acknowledged within school and in the local community. The participation and accomplishments of individual learners are given due recognition in their personal profile and report to parents/carers.
Out of hours activities are currently offered at lunchtimes and after school.
Lunchtimes activities are led by Y6 Play Leaders under the supervision of a teaching assistant for KS1 boys and girls. During the week the activities range from playing on space hoppers, developing football skills, cheerleading and counting games and many other activities.
After school activities are currently as in Appendix 1
All of the activities have been offered to all children in the appropriate year groups with the emphasis on participation.
Where possible children are made aware of other clubs or holiday activities which will extend/continue the skills learnt at the OSHL clubs.
Safety
Health and safety awareness is an integral part of children’s learning in PE. All teachers should make themselves aware of the health and safety arrangements for the areas of activity that they are teaching. At Mab’s Cross we follow the “Safe Practice in Physical Education” guidance provided by Baalpe. A copy of the Baalpe manual is located in the staffroom. All pupils must be taught how to handle and carry apparatus, resources appropriately. They are taught to recognise hazards, assess the consequent risks and take steps to control the risks to themselves and others.
Equipment is checked regularly by the PE manager and the site manager but every member of staff teaching PE should be aware of equipment faults and inform the PE manager immediately.
Any damage, breakage or loss of resources should be reported to the PE Coordinator as soon as possible. Any damage observed done to a piece of apparatus which could cause subsequent injury must be isolated from use, and reported. No other groups or individuals should be able to access the resource until such time as it is made safe.
Risk assessment is carried out annually by the Headteacher and the PE Manager with regard to physical activity matters. Findings are recorded and shared with all staff.
All equipment is used and stored with due regard for Health and Safety (see Health and Safety Policy p. 45-PE Activities, p.46 Swimming). As in all lessons, children are expected to behave in a considerate, responsible manner, showing respect for other people and equipment.
Safe and effective exercise procedures are taught and adopted in all activity sessions within and outside of school eg. including warm ups and cool downs, and the children know and understand the importance and effects upon their bodies.
Teachers know how to assess the safety of specific activities/exercises in terms of issues associated with alignment, impact and momentum eg. safe landings on 2 feet from any apparatus
Clothing for PE Activities
Jewellery(including ear-rings) is not to be worn for any physical activity and long hair should be tied back.
All children must change into the following for PE:
- Dance/gym – shorts, T‑shirt, bare feet or pumps
- Indoor games – shorts, T‑shirt, pumps
- Athletics/games – shorts, T-shirt, pumps, trainers, tracksuit
- Swimming – swimming costume or trunks, swimming cap for long hair
- Adventure activities - suitable outdoor clothing depending upon
environment and weather
Spare kit is available for children who have lost or forgotten their own kit. This is washed in the school washing machine after every use.
A record is kept of all pupils with medical conditions which may either affect their ability to participate in physical activity or which may be adversely affected by physical activity eg asthma.
All staff know who the qualified first aiders are and how to contact them quickly.
Equal Opportunities
“The game is not important, the child is!” –
All pupils at Mab’s Cross, including those with special needs are entitled to a comprehensive programme of physical activity which fulfils the statutory National Curriculum requirements, takes into account their individual needs and interests and provides them with opportunities to pursue activity beyond school.
The physical activity opportunities offered both within and outside of the curriculum time provide pupils with equal opportunities to participate and to achieve success in different activities.
Physical activity within Mab’s Cross is developmentally appropriate and a variety of teaching and learning approaches and organisational management are adopted to ensure that –
- tasks are matched to pupils of different abilities, needs and interests, by balancing challenge with the likelihood of success,
- pupils at different starting points all make progress.
The achievements of all pupils are maximised by adopting the STEPS approach which can be applied to every activity to make it easier or more difficult.
Space- making the working space either smaller or larger
Task-making the task easier or harder, introducing/adapting rules, scoring systems, time etc.
Equipment-using suitable equipment for the age/ability of children.
People-all children should be able to take part whether in the actual activity or in another capacity such as scoring, evaluating performance, carrying equipment.
- Children with specific disabilities or health conditions
Where a child has a specific condition which restricts their access to physical activity, eg some of the children from Hope Special school, every opportunity will be taken to ensure that activities are modified. eg. by changing rules, setting up parallel activities so that all pupils take part in the same activity but in different ways, included activities are set up –pupils play adapted games specifically designed for young disabled people or those with special needs(see Sport Trust’s SportSability package and TOP cards).
Where children suffer from specific health conditions eg. asthma, inhalers are always to hand. The older children are encouraged to be responsible for their own medication.
Boys and girls are taught together in all activities.
Leadership and Management
The PE Manager is responsible to the Headteacher.
There is a separate PE budget to cover the purchase of equipment. Parents are asked to contribute towards the transport costs for going off site and also towards the costs of swimming instruction.
Staff development
The PE Manager is responsible for advising staff about training opportunities, INSET and professional development. Mab’s Cross is committed to providing staff training related to physical activity. The PE manager is made aware via the SSCo of courses offered by : the LEA, SDU. Whenever staff development needs are identified appropriate courses will be found and advice sought from the SSCo.
Celebration of achievement, assessment, recording and reporting
Teachers assess the children’s work in PE by making informal judgements as they observe them in lessons and by undertaking more formal assessments at the end of a unit of work. Assessment sheets are passed to the next teacher at the end of each year and one copy is passed to subject manager. Children are positively encouraged to make assessments of their own progress and also help their peers to evaluate their performances.
The Wigan Scheme of Work and teachers’ plans form a record of what has been covered by the children in meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum Programmes of Study.
Physical activity successes are celebrated in assemblies and trophies and photographs are displayed in a special area within school.
Registers are kept of children attending the after school clubs.
Parents receive a written report once a year with comments on their child’s progress and achievements in PE and physical activity. Parents are encouraged to attend sports’ days and other sporting and physical activity events to support their children.
We make very effort to introduce pupils to local clubs by involving them in competitive events and we inform the press of physical activity and sporting successes.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The PE Manager is responsible for monitoring and evaluating all areas of physical activity within and outside of the curriculum.
Class teaching can be observed during the spring term. Other methods of monitoring include checking planning files, photographic evidence, talking to teachers, parents, children and keeping records of attendance at after school clubs.
Feedback from parents/carers from the questionnaires will inform future physical activity initiatives.
The PE Manager will keep records on the number of pupils doing 2 hours of structured physical activity per week, and the number of pupils who are taking part in OSHL both within school and by attending community clubs; the number and range of OSHL opportunities and the numbers and ages of children taking part; the number of pupils walking or cycling to school; the number of courses attended; the number of pupils being trained as Play Leaders; the number of staff taking part in physical activity both organised within school and also outside school.
A review of physical activity at Mab’s Cross will take place annually.
Links with other school policies
The PE policy has been written within the context of other school policies and particularly relates to :
Healthy Schools, Child Protection Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Special Educational Needs, Equal Opportunities Policy, Confidentiality, CRB checks, Staff Development.
Dissemination
The policy has been discussed at staff meetings, given to governors and has been made available to all parents. AOTTs have been given a summary of relevant points.
Policy Review date
The policy will be reviewed in 2012.
R. Barton
February 2010
Staff involved :
Mrs R.Barton PE Manager and PLT
PDM Mel Gough
SSCo Ian Ward
Appendix 1
Out of School Hours Learning 2009-2010
|
Autumn |
Football Y2-Y3 Cheerleading Y3-Y6 Tennis Y2-Y4 Karate Y3-Y6 |
|
Spring |
Football Y1-Y2 Tennis Y2-Y4 Karate Y3-Y6 Yoga Y3-Y6 Judo Y3-Y6 |
|
Summer |
Football Y1-Y2 Tennis Y2-Y4 Yoga Y1-Y2 |