Physical Activity Policy

RATIONALE

Physical activity not only improves health, reduces stress and improves concentration, but also promotes correct physical growth and development.  Exercise has a positive influence on academic achievement, emotional stability and interaction with others.  Therefore both teachers and children should be aware of its importance.

AIMS

1. To promote a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle by developing self-motivation so that the children choose to take part in physical activity outside school.  We do this by:

• developing a positive attitude and interest in a wide range of physical activities
• raising awareness of issues regarding Health Related Fitness.

2.  To contribute to the physical development of each child: size, strength, fitness, speed, gross and fine motor skills.
3.  To contribute to the intellectual development of each child.  This includes their:

• aesthetic appreciation and understanding of Dance and Gymnastics.
• knowledge of the 6 areas of P.E. (dance, games, gym, athletics, swimming, outdoor and adventurous activities) e.g. the rules and demands of different games and physical activities.

4. To help develop the individual child's self esteem, confidence and social skills (co-operating in groups, playing fairly to rules, mixing with children from other schools).

OBJECTIVES

Within the PE curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities:

At Allerton Grange we follow a broad and balanced PE curriculum fulfilling the demands of the National Curriculum.  We:

• ensure that all children have the opportunity to get 2 hours of physical activity a week through curricular and extra-curricular activity at Key Stage 3 and 4.
• ensure every child has access to swimming lessons in Key Stage 3 and that they can swim 25m and have basic water skills.
• Attempt to develop the fitness of the individual, by ensuring a good pace in lessons and incorporating fitness activities into physical education lessons as appropriate.
• Integrate, where possible; into other curriculum area (e.g. use of athletics data in ICT).
• Develop programmes that meet the needs of all the children, providing equal opportunities.
• Involve the community where possible - e.g. Sports Day, clubs, inter-school matches, outside coaching personnel and resources.
• Ensure children wear a designated P.E. kit. for all lessons, which is dictated by the type of activity that they are participating in.
• differentiate for children with disabilities and medical conditions, taking into account children with special educational needs, through modified classroom programmes and use of support staff where appropriate.
• Provide enjoyable experiences, which help to develop positive attitudes of sensitivity, co-operation, competition and tolerance.
• Provide opportunities for pupils to experience a range of roles as opposed to just performer in order to cater for different strengths and needs in sport and physical activity, i.e., coach, official and leader.
• Ensure that there are plentiful opportunities for all children to take part in a variety of physical activities during extra-curricular clubs in order to develop their competence and appreciation of the value of participation. 
• Ensure that pupils have opportunities to represent the school in competitive context and receive recognition for doing so through Sports Presentations evenings and ‘Colours'.

For additional information regarding the work of the PE department, its staff and provision of physical activity opportunities and qualifications, refer to ‘Allerton Grange Physical Education' document attached to this file.