Physical Education, Music & the Arts
Great emphasis is placed on enabling our children to experience a wide variety of activities from a young age to work out where their own strengths lie. As a result of this, sport, music and the arts play an important role in the curriculum.
During Physical Education sessions the children learn a variety of skills and games such as football, hockey, rugby, gymnastics, dance, rounders, cricket and athletics to name a few. We use a variety of sporting facilities in the local vicinity. Throughout the school year, children take part in sporting fixtures as well as the school’s swimming gala and sports day. All children from Reception onwards swim weekly at a local swimming pool. They also have the opportunity to swim competitively both locally and nationally. We offer many sports clubs, both before school and at lunchtime. In these, children may develop and extend their sporting skills.
There are many opportunities for children to expand their interest in music, for example a Year 6 band club and a variety of choirs. The Chamber Choir take part in local and national competitions and perform to a high level. Each year, a music captain from Year 6 is chosen who assists the music teacher to organise the termly concerts as well as the Christmas concert, the Christmas Nativity and the Summer Production.
From Year 2 Peripatetic teaching is offered in small groups as well as on an individual basis for those children wishing to learn a musical instrument.
Children’s creativity is encouraged across the curriculum. Art lessons are a valued part of children’s weekly timetable. Children are taught a variety of skills in order to develop their artistic ability and work is widely displayed around the school. Art competitions are held within the school as well as entering local and regional competitions. Every child’s work is showcased at the annual art exhibition where parents have the opportunity to celebrate children’s achievements.
Drama is also promoted within the school and is utilised in teaching as well as drama clubs and performances. LAMDA sessions are also available within the school. Christmas Nativity Productions and Summer Productions ensure that all children have the opportunity to perform on stage to an audience.