‘Physical exercise is not only essential to us leading a healthy life, but it is also the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.' John F Kennedy
Physical Education
We provide high quality PE lessons which engage and excite our pupils. We know that being physically active not only keeps children healthy – it promotes the development of motor skills, cognitive and social skills. Our lessons reflect our values:
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Joy – to feel the thrill and pleasure at mastering physical skills, developing a love of sport
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Kindness and Respect – to learn about their own and others’ strengths and weaknesses and support each other at team or individual levels
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Perseverance – to enjoy taking part in new and challenging physical activities
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Wisdom – to know how to improve, master skills and understand the importance of physical and mental wellbeing
Pupils at St James take pride in representing the school in competitions and leave year 6 having experienced a rich range of sports and skills.
PE Lessons
Across the school, PE lessons are taught twice a week, indoors and outdoors, with children being given the opportunity to use a variety of sports equipment including gymnastic apparatus. Children benefit from coaching in bikeability (cycle training), swimming, multi sports, fencing and netball.
At St James, we aim to develop:
- Active and healthy pupils
- Physically competent pupils in a range of activities
- Communication and vocabulary – to evaluate and explain performance
- Teamwork skills and competitive resilience
- An understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle
We teach PE through:
- Twice weekly lessons, using ‘Get Set 4 PE’ scheme
- A range of activities including gymnastics, dance and team games
- Specialist coaching including Netball and Fencing
- Special days such as National Fitness Day, Sports Day and Big Walk and Wheel.
- Access to a wide range of equipment and resources
Healthy Lifestyles
We develop positive attitudes to becoming and staying healthy. Our PSHE programme aligns with our approach, and we learn about maintaining healthy habits and choices which support our physical and mental health. We take part in the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel, which is the UK's largest inter-school walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling challenge. We are proud that in 2022, St James Primary School was ranked the top small primary school in Haringey, the third small primary in London and 47th small primary in the UK.
Clubs and Enrichment
We have a diverse range of extra-curricular clubs for all children. Clubs support our pupil’s development in PE and also their social development across year groups.
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Extra-curricular clubs such as football, gymnastics, fencing and tennis
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Participation in Haringey sports competitions
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Whole school events such as National Fitness Day and the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel
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Participation in the TFL ‘Travel for Life’ scheme
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Balance bike training for EYFS
