Why is PE so important to our school

Why is PE so important to our school? Regular physical activity provides a range of physical and mental health benefits. These include reducing the risk of disease, managing existing conditions, and developing and maintaining physical and mental function

Children and Young People (5 to 18 years) • Children and young people should engage in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity for an average of at least 60 minutes per day across the week. This can include all forms of activity such as physical education, active travel, after-school activities, play and sports. • Children and young people should engage in a variety of types and intensities of physical activity across the week to develop movement skills, muscular fitness, and bone strength. • Children and young people should aim to minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary, and when physically possible should break up long periods of not moving with at least light physical activity. UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines (2019)

Though a lack of attention on PE is often justified as an opportunity to spend more time in the classroom, however, studies show that physical activity contributes to improved academic performance. Regular activity during the school day is strongly associated with higher concentration levels as well as more directed, composed behavior

KEY STATS in the UK 19. 1% of children in Year 6 (aged 10 -11) are obese and a further 14. 2% are overweight. Of children in Reception (aged 4 -5), 9. 1% are obese and another 12. 8% are overweight. This means a third of 10 -11 year-olds and over a fifth of 4 -5 yearolds are overweight or obese. Source: Public Health England

Five reasons to increase Physical Activity… 1 - For some its the only exercise they get in a week! School for a lot of children is the only place they actually do any physical exercise, they are driven to school, dropped off, driven home and then sat inside all day long. 2 - Boosts confidence and breaks down barriers. Academic work can leave pupils feeling deflated of confidence and not as good as their fellow pupils. Leading to poor behaviour, lack of effort and a whole range of other issues. But Physical Education can offer some children that little boost, where THEY can shine and show their talent, boosting their self esteem, showing that they are good at something and that if they try hard they can achieve, which will often boost their other work. 3 - Creates lasting memories 4 - Builds teamwork and class togetherness Physical Education can be a great team builder, especially if you are taking children to a sports tournament. 5 - Helps children begin a life long sporting passion Every professional athlete starts somewhere, that spark that ignites a kids enthusiasm in a particular sport begins at some point.

What does support in PESSPA look like? We are asking pupils to join in ALL activity so this is the same for all staff, teaching, support, supply and volunteers. Active breaks …Durham Active 30 https: //www. activedurham. org. uk/ (more information) https: //youtu. be/RP 4 dl. Yev. GIw

ACTIVE BREAKS…IN IT TOGETHER! EVERYONE FOR 15 mins at first break, no opt out (staff and pupils) in all weather conditions with appropriate attire OPAL area – scooters, DEN building Yard Tag stuck in the mud or tag British bulldog Dance – P 2/English room Sports club- including girls circuits, boys circuits, girls training and boys fitness. Walking group- a small group signed up to walk around the perimeter of the school during break time

If you have any more questions or require more information please don’t hesitate to contact school.