Physical Education Policy 2024-2025
Intent
At St Mary’s we value the importance of sport and physical activity for all. As a school, we strive to create a culture which aims to inspire an active generation to enjoy PE, encourage each other and achieve. We provide a safe and supportive environment for children to flourish in a range of different physical activities which is essential in supporting their physical, emotional, spiritual, social and moral development. Our curriculum is designed to offer a high-quality physical education c that inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities. It provides opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness.
We are currently part of the Farringdon School Games Cluster and the St. Anthony’s Catholic Cluster, which gives children the opportunity to compete in competitions throughout the school year. One of our aims is to break down the gender barriers so often found in sport, to allow boys and girls to follow their individual interests and sports of their choice, which is why we have a high number of mixed teams representing our school.
Football
Currently, St. Mary’s have two football teams in Year 5/6. One team is a Year 5/6 girls and boys team, whereas the other team is only Year 5/6 girls.
Both football teams are entered into 5-a-side, 7-a-side and 9-a-side SPSFA leagues and cups.
Training every Monday (Year 5/6 girls and boys team) and Friday (Year 5/6 girls team) – lunchtime 12.30-1.00pm.
Netball
In Year 5 and 6, children have the opportunity to represent St Mary’s in Netball. They compete in the SPSNA leagues.
Swimming
At St. Mary’s School we feel that learning to swim is a vital life skill.
We use Sunderland Raich Carter Centre and their swimming coaches to inspire our children to learn to swim. Year 5 children have the opportunity to attend the Centre and if a child has not developed the key skills by the end of Year 5, they will attend the Centre again in Year 6.
Daily Mile
The Daily Mile is a fully-inclusive, free and simple initiative which improves the physical and mental health of children. It’s a social activity where the children run or jog, at their own pace, for 10 minutes every day and it improves focus in the classroom.
Derwent Hill
Derwent Hill is situated in Keswick in the Lake District and has been run as an Outdoor Education Centre by City of Sunderland Council since 1962. Year 6 children have the opportunity to attend a 5 day residential course every year.
Activities include:
- Watersports
- Night walks
- Mountain climbing
- High Challenge course
- Orienteering
- Team Tasks
Sports Leaders
Pupils from Years 2-6 have the opportunity to become a sports leader, a role which brings great responsibility and enjoyment. Our Sports Leaders ensure that playground games and activities are set up every morning break time and that all children are playing co-operatively. They lead games and look after the outdoor equipment. The children play an invaluable role in encouraging others to try new games and sports and to feel that they belong in our school family.
Sports Day
Our children experience a fun and active day at our annual Sports Day!
St. Mary’s Sports leaders help organise and plan Sports Day.
Sports Updates
We post regular updates on our school Twitter account and on OursSchoolsApp about recent sporting events, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest news on our sporting achievements.
