Physical Education (PE)

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live".  Jim Roh

Why do we teach PE?

"Physical Fitness is not only one of the most important keys to healthy body, but it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity" John.F.Kennedy

We teach PE to encourage children to become actively involved in sports as well as to recognise the benefits of health and fitness. Physical Education gives us the perfect chance to build on children's ability to be part of a team and additionally to support the building of individual character. Physical Education is also the ideal opportunity to solidify our school rule of respect as children learn the values of fairness and respect within sport.

An opportunity to succeed and excel in competitive sport , learn how to deal with the highs and lows of winning and losing is also a reason for teaching PE. It is of great importance to s that children experience the enjoyment of PE and how it can help us to feel good about ourselves , consequently gaining skills that last a lifetime.

Lessons involve a range of team work predominately in houses -led by House Captains in upper juniors-paired work and some individual activities.

At St Michael's we are committed to provide opportunities to learn to swim. Swimming is the only sport which can save a child's life.  Drowning is still one of the most common causes for accidental death in children, so being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill.  Swimming also keeps children's heart and lungs healthy, improves strength and flexibility and it increases stamina, balance and posture.  Another great thing about swimming, other than the fact that it is lots of fun, is that children of any age or ability can take part in this form of exercise. 

Click here to see more information about our PE and Sports Premium funding

What do we teach?

At St Michael's we want children to succeed and excel in physical activities as well as competitive sport.  Children are encouraged to join school sport's clubs and signposted to clubs outside of school.  In Physical Education (PE) we focus on making sure that all the children are active and engaged throughout the lesson.

Our varied programme includes:

• Multi-skills & Lacrosse
• Dance
• Gymnastics
• Invasion games
• Net games
• Athletics 

We are committed to the national expectations that all children learn to swim at least 25m and therefore Year 4 and Year 5 children visit a local swimming pool for a two week intensive block of lessons. The children have the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence during these sessions.

St Michael's is part of a network of schools and teams which attend sports tournaments where we compete against others. Children of all ages compete in multi-skills tournaments, football, cricket and sports-hall athletics.

The highlight of the year is the KS1 and KS2 Sports Day which is held at Sydenham High Sports Ground in the Summer Term.  Our EYFS Sports Day is held on the Junior site at school.  This is a chance for the children to take part in fun events as well as to show off their skills in both field and track events.  Parents, carers and family members are encouraged to come and watch their children compete at these lovely sporting event.