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PE Home |
Some Concerns and Questions Answered'I don't like PE' Today it is very important to be aware of the health and fitness benefits that physical activity can bring. Our lives are very sedentary and mentally tiring, which leads to a higher possibility of heart disease and other health risks. Children need to be encouraged to participate in regular physical activities. 'I'm no good at PE.' We are all 'good' at something, but some are better than others. School, especially PE, equips us with the ability to understand our strengths and weaknesses and how to deal with them. The PE staff are committed to improving the fundamental motor skills of every pupils which will enable them to feel more confident in participating in any recreational activities that they may face in adult life. All pupils need this, but it is only possible if we experience both success and failure. 'Teachers don't understand what it is like to be no good/unfit.' Teachers are very aware of the demands of the tasks that are set and do not expect everyone to complete them to the same level. At times personal success is achieved by altering the task or expecting a different outcome. All we expect is effort and pupils will be encouraged to be ‘their best’ rather than ‘the best’. 'I don't like answering questions in class.' 'If you do not try then you cannot get it right!' All pupils are encouraged, and have the opportunity, to offer answers in group discussions. This is very important, as it is a process of assessment in PE. 'Other pupils laugh at me when I do.' Every day we are faced with ‘situations’ that highlight what we can and cannot do. PE helps us to deal with these by developing our self-confidence and self-esteem. If pupils laugh at someone teachers will address the situation if it is brought to their attention. 'I have done this at football practice.' Some of the practices, drills, skills that are taught in PE may have been previously experienced by the pupils. There is obviously no harm in extra practice, but the PE department tries to encourage the more able to assist others in their learning by acting as a coach. This benefits both parties as the less able have individual coaching and the more able will be asked to pass their knowledge onto someone else thereby developing their communication and leadership skills. 'There's not enough PE during the week' The PE on the curriculum is very broad to ensure all pupils experience a variety of different activities throughout their school years. A varied extra-curricular programme from early morning and lunchtimes to after school supports this. 'I can't play for the school as I am playing for my local club.' Many pupils train and play for clubs outside of school. This is fantastic for the pupils' physical development, but there is an important role for school sport to play too. We strongly recommend that all pupils are encouraged to represent the school as it offers many benefits. 'Clubs and Practices clash with music/drama etc…' This can sometimes be the case for pupils. All pupils are advised to balance their time equally between the various clubs. If a major piece of work is imminent (e.g. music concert, drama production, cup match) then pupils are encouraged to attend those practices for that period of time but should at all times, keep staff aware of their intentions and availability. 'I can't get home after a fixture.' If parents can support their children in getting them to and from school for early mornings and late evenings then it is a great help for them as they can regularly participate in school activities. ‘The teacher sometimes makes me take off kit for PE.’ If a pupil is wearing incorrect i.e. wrong colour or inappropriate clothing the teacher will ask them to remove it. Dalriada prides itself in the appearance of its pupils and classes are always open to unannounced visitors. Often pupils forget to bring a change of socks or underwear and when these become wet, sweaty or dirty during the PE lesson they have to be worn for the rest of the day! Personal hygiene is an important aspect of a pupil’s understanding in PE. PE Kit After monitoring non participation rates recently, a staggering 90% of pupils not able to perform gave “forgotten kit” as the reason. Currently we respond to this with a short lunchtime detention taken at the pupils’ convenience. Please help your child to remember their kit on the two days when they need it. Searching For Kit & Returning To Activity:
Breakfast & Morning Exercise Recent media attention has highlighted problems associated with poor diet and limited exercise amongst children (and adults). Our department frequently encounters pupils in morning PE classes, unable to continue even moderate exercise due to feelings of nausea or fatigue following limited efforts in warm up routines. Often we find that children have had no breakfast or have consumed only a can of ‘fizzy drink’ before coming to our class! A breakfast of carbohydrate and complex sugars is a vital aspect of weight control and will enhance concentration as well as physical performance. The other side of this equation is exercise and we appeal to parents to encourage or even require their children to walk at least some part of their journey to school. Leaving your child at a safe drop off point near Postboy’s walk or Charlotte Street well clear of the traffic congestion around St James’ Road, will provide some valuable exercise and allow you to leave much more quickly saving fuel bills as well! Showering Improving pupil understanding of hygiene and health is an important aspect of our remit as teachers of physical education. We have discretely observed pupil use of showers and realise that very few pupils, regardless of dirt or sweat, use them! This is a sensitive subject and we are appealing to parents for support in our efforts to encourage pupils to shower when necessary. To this end, if you wish your child not to shower, please write, expressing your concerns. Otherwise, please ensure they have a towel and we will require them to shower when necessary and will conduct lessons to allow time for this. |
