Physical Activity Offer
Creating An Active School
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As a school which prioritises physical activity as part of our daily routines, we would like to share just some examples of our commitment to the health and well being of our children and families.
Whole School Physically Active Enrichment
Every child in KS1 & KS2 are physically active every Friday PM!
Recently our SLT met to discuss how we could work towards embedding a whole school approach to purposeful and exciting physical activity. It was agreed that our first real statement of intent should be to convert enrichment to time to ‘Active Enrichment’
This was with the view that eventually every child in school would be physically active for 60 minutes on a Friday PM. We believe that this approach from all stakeholders in school will begin to shape our vision moving forwards.
Recent developments
We now have a significant number of exciting active enrichment clubs which include:
Nature Walking at Pitty Beck, Gardening, Team Building, Outdoor Photography, Cricket Club, Yoga, Guided Dance, Cross Country, Dough Disco, VX Club, Scooter and Orienteering
Come back soon to see further updates!
Cook & Move
Combining enjoyable physical activity with nutritious snacks!
Our Cook & Move sessions are a recently introduced initiative to encourage and shape positive attitudes surrounding a healthy active lifestyles. During a block of sessions pupils will take part in a range of fun and engaging physical activities followed by preparing a healthy and delicious snack.
Please see some of examples of our marvellous movement opportunities and super healthy snacks!
Play & Lunchtime
Exciting Developments!
As part of the JU:MP project, we are in the early stages of planning an extensive remodelling of our existing play provision at The Academy at St James.
Our vision is to sustainably invest a significant sum of funding to develop a play offer which supports high levels of physical activity, engagement, inclusion and well being during pupil down time.
We have recently purchased equipment such as scooters along with PPE as well as some fantastic high quality team building challenges. Alongside these examples we have also invested in CPD to ensure the provision is delivered effectively and safely.
Please see an extract on the importance of play for our children and young people below:
Play England.org
Play is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital for the enjoyment of childhood as well as social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.
- increase their self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-respect
- improve and maintain their physical and mental health
- give them the opportunity to mix with other children
- allow them to increase their confidence through developing new skills
- promote their imagination, independence and creativity
- offer opportunities for children of all abilities and backgrounds to play together
- provide opportunities for developing social skills and learning
- build resilience through risk taking and challenge, problem solving, and dealing with new and novel situations
- provide opportunities to learn about their environment and the wider community.
https://www.playengland.org.uk/about-us/why-play-is-important/
Please keep checking back for further updates!
Music, Movers & Shakers
EYFS love to move, sing and dance!
The Music, Movers and Shakers programme has been designed by Early Years Music Specialists Dave Morrison and Lynne O’Malley.
The programme is delivered weekly in our school directly to the children.
The programme has been written to include the following 4 modules:
Module 1 – Music and Movement
Module 2 – Musical Instruments
Module 3 – Music From Different Cultures
Module 4 – Composition and Creative Play
Throughout this programme the children are encouraged to access music and musical events within the wider community.
Music is crucial in the early years as it helps to develop language, mathematical skills, creativity and physical development, as well as social skills, and confidence. We welcome parents and families to share in our music making and celebrations. If you would like to know more about our Music, Movers and Shakers programme, or professional development training for staff; please contact Lynne or Dave, our Music Specialists.
Physically Active Learning
So why consider Physically Active Learning (PAL)?
Research tells us that children who take part in physical activity whilst learning have been found to show increased engagement, improved behaviour and concentration within the classroom. With increased levels of overweight and obese children inactivity levels in our region are a significant concern for the here and now. Going forward at Academy at St James, we are looking at ‘opportunities to embed PAL’ within our curriculum. SLT have agreed to add a dedicated section within all medium term planning which offers opportunities to teach some content via PAL.
Please see below a number research articles in relation to the impact of Physically Active Learning:
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-018-5897-4
