MEREWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES POLICY

At Mereway Middle School all children are expected to follow a full programme of Physical Activities in line with the National Curriculum.

We believe that Physical Activities plays an important role in fulfilling the aims of the school's mission statement:

"We will provide a broad variety of activities and opportunities ... catering for individual needs and abilities."

"We will create a purposeful learning environment in which work of the highest standard is produced and all individuals of all abilities are given every encouragement and opportunity to realise their potential."

Physical Activities at Mereway Middle School incorporates the teaching of Games, Gymnastics, Dance, Athletics, Swimming and Outdoor/Adventurous Activities. It is our belief that it's importance stretches far beyond the simple provision of physical exercise. Fundamental to our philosophy is the belief that to educate a child in the use and knowledge of the body and it's movement also allows us to educate the child through such knowledge.

Physical Activities educates by:

• developing physical competence and the ability to refine and adapt
• promoting physical development and the value of worthwhile exercise
• establishing self-esteem through the development of physical confidence
• developing artistic and aesthetic understanding through movement

Physical Activities also contributes to:

• the development of problem-solving skills
• the development of inter-personal skills
• the forging of links between the school, the community and across cultures

The school's Physical Activities policy outlines the arrangements made for the delivery of this aspect of the curriculum and includes further detailed rationale and practical guidance for staff. Supplementary detailed planning of units of work to aid the implementation of the policy are provided separately by the Physical Activities Co-ordinator and the Dance Co-ordinator.

The policy is applicable to all staff and students at Mereway Middle School and was produced on their behalf by Chris Robinson.

Date of Acceptance:

Policy Review - This policy will be reviewed every three years

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