Adjusting to new ways of PE, Physical Activity and School Sport
As we move into the final 7 weeks of this term, schools across the Country are in different positions. Some students are still learning at home, whilst some are at school, or some may be experiencing a mixture of both. Whether you are a teacher, a parent or a pupil, things will look a little different for a while, BUT one important thing won't change, and that is that PE and School Sport is more important than ever!
So why is PE, physical activity & School Sport so important right now and how might it look?
Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity are similar in that they all include physical movement, but there are important differences between them all (Refer to definitions at the bottom of this page).
So what might you be doing in school or home over the next 7 weeks and can you still include all of them?
We know that each school has a varying amount of teachers, pupils and all very different on the amount of teaching space, which will of course impact what you can and can't do, but you can make sure that you get a little of each element in with a bit of creativity.
PE, Physical activity and school sport are so important right now and here are just a few reasons why:
*They help us to stay fit and healthy
*They help our mental health, and can help to relieve any stresses and anxieties we may be feeling
*We can connect socially with our peers (but from 2M apart!)
*We can learn about our bodies and how we can help them to work as best as possible
*We can use them to celebrate success and personal achievements.
What might you expect in school?
A mixture of all of them...
*Lessons that are both SAFE and FUN
*Lots of physical activity that involves some learning through physical education
*Using equipment that isn't shared with others or using no equipment such as using your own bodyweight
*There are so many activities that we can still enjoy in school, here are just a few ideas that can be done safely and individually and are lots of fun...dance, yoga, circuits, orienteering, tri golf (not sharing equipment), mountain biking to name just a few!
*Activities that mean pupils can still remain 2M away from their peers
*Outdoor lessons so that we can all space out - keep everything crossed for a dry June and July!
*Aiming for 60 minutes of physical activity everyday
*And of course, lots of clean hands that are washed before and after the lesson!
What might you expect at home?
Mostly physical activity with some virtual school sport and some PE elements
*You should still be aiming for at least 60 minutes of activity everyday - remember that you need to get your heart rate up, it shouldn't just be easy
*Being active with your family - walking, biking, running
*You could meet with a friend and complete a work out or go for a walk - maintaining social distancing at all times and not sharing equipment
*How can you learn at home? For example if you are doing PE with Joe Wickes, can you describe how you feel during exercise? What is happening to your body? Can you find out / describe the muscles you are using? Can you look into eating a healthy balanced diet and what it should consist of?
*Can you challenge yourself and work on your personal best?
*Take part in any virtual challenges set by your teachers including the #BMKVirtualSG
*Can you learn through the School Games values and demonstrate resilience, determination and passion to name a few?
*Maybe you are doing an online class...there are so many free ones to access online currently
*Again the key thing here is to stay safe and have fun!
What about School Sport, where will that feature?
School Sport can still happen at home or in school, but will just be a little different in places and it is a great chance to work on our 'Personal Bests'.
Whilst we can't make the same links within the community to local clubs, coaches and venues, it won't be long before we can look forward to some competitive sport. We can however, keep working on our skills linked to school sport and look at competitions in a different way.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
*Who can walk / scoot / wheel / run the furthest distance in a week in your class?
*Take part in the #BMKVirtualSG
*What other challenges can you set yourself? How many skips can you do in 30 seconds? Can you try again and beat it? Can you challenge a friend to beat your school?
*Can you show some of the school games values in the activities you do? Do you have the resilience if you fail first time, to get up and try again?
*At school, you may still be able to have some small competitions - as long as they maintain social distancing and no shared equipment, there is no reason you can't compete in tri golf outdoors or some of the go ride cycling competitions...there are lots of ways to still enjoy some school sport....in lessons, at lunchtime or virtually!
Whether at school or at home, remember it is important to get 60 minutes of physical activity everyday. The key is to be creative, stay safe and have lots of fun!
DEFINITIONS (afPE)
PE - Physical Education is the planned, progressive learning that takes place in school curriculum timetabled time and which is delivered to all pupils. This involves both ‘learning to move’ (i.e. becoming more physically competent) and ‘moving to learn’ (e.g. learning through movement, a range of skills and understandings beyond physical activity, such as co-operating with others). The context for the learning is physical activity, with children experiencing a broad range of activities, including sport and dance.
Physical Activity - Physical Activity is a broad term that describes bodily movement, posture and balance. All require energy. It includes all forms of physical education, sports and dance activities. However, it is wider than this, as it also includes indoor and outdoor play, work-related activity, outdoor and adventurous activities, active travel (e.g. walking, cycling, rollerblading, scooting) and routine, habitual activities such as using the stairs, doing housework and gardening.
School Sport - School Sport is the structured learning that takes place beyond the curriculum (i.e. in the extended curriculum) within school settings; this is sometimes referred to as out-of-school-hours learning. Again, the context for the learning is physical activity. The ‘school sport’ programme has the potential to develop and broaden the foundation learning that takes place in physical education. It also forms a vital link with ‘community sport and activity’.
South Bucks SGO Area
The South Bucks SGO area and Sports Partnership is hosted by Alfriston School. Alfriston School is a special needs girl's school based in Beaconsfield. Alfriston is the Lead Inclusion School for Buckinghamshire and we believe in 'a sporting chance for every child'. We have a comprehensive calendar of School Games Inclusive competitions and festivals throughout the year and work with a number of County and community partners to bring about the best opportunities for staff and pupils in Bucks.