P.E.
The start of 2020 might be a little different but we are still having fun during our PE lessons.
Class 1 have enjoyed "Chalk people Relay" Football skills, Multi Skill events, dance and how far can you run in 6 minutes.
Report from the P.E. link Governor:
In addition to developing physical skills, PE and sport provide fantastic opportunities for pupils to learn about teamwork, leadership, communication, trust, sportsmanship, resilience, commitment and determination. It is also widely recognised that the earlier children begin to engage in habitual physical activity or sport the more likely it is to remain a lifelong habit, resulting in physical, mental and emotional well-being benefits. It is for these reasons that PE at Monkleigh Primary School has always been an integral part of the curriculum with the focus on providing opportunities to engage in PE on a daily basis through PE lessons, lunchtime and afterschool clubs and to participate in competitions and matches against local and regional schools. The school maintains excellent links with Great Torrington School (the local secondary school) with regular visits to engage in multi sports, dance, and sports specific events and competitions. The passion and enthusiasm of the PE coordinator, Mrs Wilson, has and continues to be integral to the delivery of high quality physical education at Monkleigh Primary School. This is borne out by the school receiving the Gold School Games Mark Award for the last 4 years. This was surpassed in 2019 when the school became the first Primary School in Devon to be awarded the Platinum School Games Mark Award. To use a sporting analogy I think it is fair to say that Monkleigh punches above its weight in terms of its participation and successes in competitive sport. The school regularly competes in high five, tag rugby, football, gymnastics, cross country (Yr6 Devon Champions in 2019), rounders, and aquathon. This provides pupils with the experience of competitive sport alongside the opportunity to visit other schools locally and regionally and meet other pupils. The school regularly receives very positive feedback from other schools about the pupil’s performance, behaviour and their sense of sportsmanship.
Monkleigh’s lack of indoor space for PE is very rarely a hindrance with PE lessons delivered outside in the amazing school grounds whenever possible. Flexible, adaptable and creative thinking on behalf of Mrs Wilson and the school staff more often that not find ways to deliver PE even when the weather isn’t playing ball. Pupils enjoy PE and are enthusiastic about developing their skills, learning new sports and competing against themselves, fellow pupils and other schools. This is exemplified during the annual school sports day event where pupils compete in their ‘House’ teams for the Sports Day Trophy.
As the link Governor for PE, I am proud of the PE provision at Monkleigh and all the wonderful opportunities that are available to the pupils, both in and out of school.
Well done to Mrs Wilson, the wider staff team and of course the pupils of Monkleigh Primary School.
James Hogan
At Monkleigh School P.E plays a very important role and we try to offer the very best for all of our children. Whilst our P.E lessons are a high focus we also have active playtimes/lunchtimes and extra-curricular clubs. Our clubs allow children to try a range of different sports such as Cross Country, Football, High 5, Table Tennis and Multi Skills clubs.
Our School is part of the Torrington Learning Community Group of which there is one secondary school and a group of local primary schools. The secondary school GTS offers us festivals and competitions and the sharing of good practice. This has given our children the opportunity to participate in regular Inter School competitions and use a wider range of equipment which we can’t always offer.
Our own school organises a very successful cross country which has over 150 pupils taking part and a key stage 1 multi skills afternoon with our year 6 pupils taking the lead.
We are lucky to be able to use FOMS bus along with a local club’s mini bus and our local secondary school bus. This keeps our travelling cost down and allows us to attend more festivals/competitions.
We also take our children to local venues so they can see what facilities are available in our area such as Atlantic Racket Centre.
Travelling time sometimes cut into our morning/lunchtime sessions but carefully planned organisation ensures nothing is missed out.
Our Physical Education Programme
EYFS and Key Stage 1
In foundation and Key Stage 1 teachers use the Devon Leap into Life scheme to influence their own planning. It aims to secure physical literacy in young children through these 4 strands:
Functional Movement – the development of fundamental movement skills.
Aesthetic Movement – incorporates body awareness and the ability to interpret a variety of stimuli through movement focused on dance and gymnastics
Manipulative Skills – focused on the ability to work with equipment and small apparatus and co-ordinate movements.
Movement Concepts – the development of decision making, how where and why to move and directional awareness.
Key Stage 2
The following areas are taught at the sport co ordinator discretion and personalised to the need of all children in the class.
All of Key stage 2 will take part in Swimming, Gymnastics, Striking & fielding, Athletics, Dance, Net/ wall games and OAA.
Allocation of PE
Children at Monkleigh Primary School experience 2 1/2 hours of PE per week. Swimming and Gymnastics are extra on a class rotation.
Intra-School Activities
We have a three school teams Cavaliers, Vikings, and Romans. The children are given their teams as reception and stay throughout the school.
Kit
All children are expected to have a full PE kit in school every day. PE kit should consist of a red t.shirt, dark shorts/skort and suitable footwear. We also have red hoodies and sporting leggings can be worn during the winter months.
Other Opportunities Outside of Curricular Physical Education
Sports Leaders
In year 6 children become Sports Leaders.Our children gain the skills to organise and run active games and activities independently considering all aspects of games including safety, space and modification.
Active Playtimes
Active lunchtimes are encouraged and sports leaders aid the activities using the skills they have learnt through the sports leaders programme.
Residential Experiences
Children in years 5 and 6 are offered the chance to partake in a 2 night residential trip in theAutumn term gaining valuable team building and learn fundamental independence skills.
Extra Curricular Programme and Inter School Opportunities
Festivals and Competitions
We are very proud to be involved with the GTS School Sports Co-coordinator. The co-coordinator provides an abundant calendar of festivals, experience days and competitions. Some of the competitions lead onto area finals which feed into the area school games. Monkleigh have achieved all sorts of success at many of these levels. Competitive sport is encouraged at Monkleigh Primary. Take a look at our trophy cabinet in school!
Other Opportunities Outside of Curricular Physical Education
Forest School
Forest school is an inspirational approach which helps develop confidence, self-esteem, emotional and social skills, whilst developing a connection and respect for the natural environment. Activities are carefully planned and thoroughly risk assessed. The child’s natural inquisitiveness and enthusiasm leads them into many areas of learning. We then help to deepen this understanding by providing the resources, tools and ideas. The activities are small, achievable and child led, ensuring success and increased self esteem. This allows them to learn from their current level of understanding and develop their personal creativity. Adults are there to support learning and ensure safety, allowing the children to explore many stimuli provided by the resources of the natural environment.
Active Playtimes
Active lunchtimes are encouraged and sports leaders aid the activities using the skills they have learnt through the sports leaders programme. All of our lunchtime supervisors encourage and join in with our active lunchtimes.
Class 1 having great fun keeping warm in P.E!
