Clydach Junior School

Introduction
This policy outlines provision for Physical Education in our school.

The school policy for this provision reflects the consensus of opinion of the whole teaching staff. It has been drawn up as a result of staff discussion and has the agreement of the Governing Body and teachers.

The implementation of the policy is the responsibility of all the teaching staff.

Physical Education is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum and as such compulsory to all pupils. It could be argued that it is one of the most essential parts of the National Curriculum since it is the only subject which is concerned exclusively with the "physical" child. Consequently, for the sake of their health, it is extremely important that all children are given a broad and balanced physical education curriculum.

The Nature of Physical Education
Physical education is about developing children's enjoyment, confidence and skill in physical activity and introducing them to the pleasures of sport. It is a practical subject which gives all children, irrespective of age and gender, opportunities for participation, enjoyment and success.

Physical education promotes personal, social, intellectual and physical skills and at our school it attempts to foster co-operation, tolerance and self-esteem. Our school aim is to promote an enjoyment in undertaking exercise in all children that will hopefully be continued into adulthood as part of a healthy lifestyle.

These are the general requirements for all Key stages, reinforcing four major features of physical education:-

(a) physical education lessons must focus on being
physically active and highlight the role of
muscular strength and endurance, flexibility
and stamina for the growing child.
(b) children must learn how to become independent
learners.
(c) lessons should create constant positive experiences
of physical activity, generating positive attitudes
and stimulating greater participation.
(d) teachers should maintain regard for safety needs and use of
safe practices when planning tasks for children.

Entitlement
There is one attainment target for Physical Education. There are specific progammes of study which outline four areas of activity in which all children should be involved throughout Key Stage Two, and two areas of study that are optional. These are offered to pupils at some point within Key Stage Two.

The four compulsory areas of activity are :-
- dance
- gymnastic activities
- games
- swimming

The two optional areas of activity are :-
- athletics
- outdoor and adventurous activities

In all physical education lessons children will be encouraged to plan, participate and evaluate.
Each lesson should provide an opportunity to develop and reflect on each element within the process.

The language terminology associated with each area should be given a high profile in the children's planning and evaluating.

The ideals associated with fair play and good sporting behaviour will be encouraged at all times. When engaging in Physical Education children are expected to behave in a considerate, responsible manner showing respect for other people and equipment.

Every attempt will be made to fully integrate special needs children into participating on equal terms with other children (as defined under the 1989 Education Act)

During Physical Education children will be encouraged to discuss safety implications concerning themselves and others. The safe use of equipment will be encouraged at all times, and children will be trained to collect, move and store equipment in a safe manner with the permission of the teacher before the children use it.

All children are encouraged to change into appropriate clothing and footwear for all activities. Parents are regularly updated and informed about policy regarding suitable clothing for all school activities. No jewellery is to be worn for Physical Education.

The school Health and Safety policy (issued to all the staff with copies available in the staffroom and office) outlines guidance for all out of school activities including swimming lessons, and the use of the playground. Guidance can also be found in 'Safe Practice in Physical Education'. At the pool there is a swimming teacher who has completed the Royal Life Saving Society's "Swimming Teachers Life Saving Certificate" examination.
As pupils will be taught in their normal class groups all teachers are responsible for the planning and teaching of Physical Education, following the guidance of the scheme of work. All Physical Education lessons will aim to ensure an equal interest level for both boys and girls. There will be a skills based emphasis on the basics for the teaching of games. The first half of the year will be spent on developing skills in Winter games, while the second half of the year will be spent on Summer Games.

Dance and Gymnastics will be provided for the in the Autumn and Spring terms. This session will be replaced by athletics in the Summer term.

Each Year Five and Six class will have a weekly swimming lesson during a period of six to eight weeks at some point during the Autumn and Spring terms. During this period the class involved will forgo either dance or gymnastics for these weeks. If at all possible Year Four will be offered a two week crash course in swimming during the Summer term.

The opportunity to participate in outdoor and adventure activities will be provided in Year Six on a residential outdoor pursuits or a field study course. Year 3 - 5 teachers may choose to cover some of this work if it is considered appropriate and if time is available. Some of this work may be covered in Geography.

Special Educational Needs/Equal Access
It is a policy of the school to help pupils with SEN to gain access to all Physical Education activities where possible. Access is the same for both boys and girls.

Assessment
In Physical Education assessment will be undertaken within each area of focus. Teacher assessment in the focused area of Physical Education is carried out continuously and recorded for every child in the half yearly report and the annual report to parents.

Back