Junior School PE

Undoubtedly, there has been a national drop in physical activity during the pandemic, so we are keen to prioritise PE on reopening school. As well as academic concerns across the country, it’s also been a difficult year for children’s activity levels and mental well-being. They now need plenty of play – time to get back together with friends, to re-ignite the creativity and confidence for active play and learning new skills.

At The Abbey we are fortunate to have the facilities and the staff to immediately be offering extra-curricular clubs at lunchtimes and after-school. From Lower Prep ‘ Let’s get physical’ Lunchtime club up to Lower III netball and hockey, the girls are buzzing at being back. The joy of movement, the fun of games with friends and the excitement of competition. Sienna in Lower III said’ it’s so good to be outside and just running’. Riya & Aimee both agreed that ‘the highlight of being back is involvement in sport, especially the netball! Maybe, the Harry Potter themed netball tournaments straight away for Upper I and Lower III have had something to do with that.

Additional after-school training sessions have been offered to whole year groups with hockey for Upper II and netball for Lower III and the PE department has been delighted by the fantastic take up with over 2/3 of all Lower III students joining in. Their first session involved inspiration from England netballers, watching recordings of matchplay and attempting to reiterate some of their movement and ball skills out on the courts. Esme admitted ‘It’s great having all the facilities at school for sport and science, that beats doing everything from your kitchen.’

Everyone seems to be happy to be back and being physical again, with the initial focus and emphasis on involvement, contributing importantly to the physical and mental development of the students who are really enjoying the participation as part of everyday life, rather than being overly concerned about instant success and results. 

The number one reason children take part in physical activity is because it is fun, and our focus in all our extra-curricular clubs and lessons is on maintaining that enjoyment.

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