Intent
At Westwood, we recognise the contribution of PE to the health and well-being of children. We believe that an innovative, varied PE curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities have a positive influence on the concentration, attitude and academic achievement of all our children.
It is our intent that all children will be lifelong participants in sport, with the skills and abilities to apply their learning to a range of different sports or activities. As a school, we share the vision that Physical Education is not only important for children’s physical health but also their mental health. We aim to make Physical Education enjoyable and accessible to all children regardless of ability and gender. Whatever the pursuit, Physical Education and Sport supports essential team building skills and helps to maintain fitness and vigour, self-esteem and confidence. We endeavour to introduce children to a wide range of sports so that they can find the activity that appeals to them and that they can pursue beyond their time in school, promoting a healthier future lifestyle.
Implementation
Physical Education is provided through a broad and balanced curriculum of physical activities including gymnastics, dance, athletics, games, swimming and opportunities to explore other sports. We aim to provide two hours of curriculum PE a week. Progression in skills and knowledge in the subject is outlined in our PE progression document. The curriculum for PE is delivered throughout the whole school and repetition of sports is part of our coverage to allow children to refine and further their skills that they have already learnt previously. This allows the children to transfer skills learnt in one activity/sport and relate it to another, always building upon what they have learnt or skills acquired.
We collaborate with The Deanes through the Castle Point and Rochford School Sport Partnership to access a variety of services to benefit students and staff of the school. This includes external sports coaching, which allows the children to receive specialised teaching; as a result of this many children take up sports externally outside of school. We provide swimming for years 2 and 6. The children also learn about safety in the water. Children in years 5 and 6 have the opportunity to attend an annual residential visit to Danbury and Isle of Wight, where they take part in outdoor and adventurous activities, which are organised and supervised by qualified members of site staff.
We provide a variety opportunities to attend sporting after school clubs, borough competitions and intra-trust tournaments. We had offer a range of clubs over the year including: football, netball, dance, hockey, cheerleading and many more.
Impact
- Pupils exhibit improved physical fitness, showcasing enhanced strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
- They will adopt lifelong healthy habits, establishing a commitment to regular physical activity and overall well-being from an early age.
- Teamwork and collaboration skills are developed through team sports and group activities, fostering a sense of cooperation and camaraderie.
- The development of fundamental motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness will lay a foundation for a variety of physical activities.
- Self-discipline and goal-setting through participation in various physical activities and sports, cultivates a mindset of perseverance and achievement.
- Positive impacts on mental health, such as reduced stress and anxiety, contributes to improved emotional well-being in our children.
- Equipped with knowledge about the importance of physical activity, nutrition, and overall fitness, children at Westwood will be more likely to make healthy lifestyle choices.
- Promotion of inclusion and fair play creates an environment where all our children feel welcome and valued, regardless of their athletic abilities.
- Exposure to a variety of physical activities and sports encourages children to pursue activities outside of school that they enjoy.
