P.E.
PE is a 30-minute block that takes place for each group of students each week either in the gym or outside. Our PE teacher (Ms. Hall) works hard to ensure the students get a range of different activities each week that develop and strengthen their Gross Motor Skills (GMS). From obstacle courses that support multiple skills development such as balance and strength to team sports activities that promote communication, a sense of community, and support competitiveness.
GMS are those that involve whole-body movements and those that require large muscles within the body such as running and jumping. It also included skills such as hand-eye coordination (like throwing and catching). The focus on these skills is very important to all children’s ongoing growth and development. The need for the students to be able to walk, run, and jump is important but these skills also impact a child’s abilities in other ways such as their ability to sit up straight at a table and carry their school bag to and from school.
It also supports students’ abilities to participate in activities such as dance and art. Whilst also supporting independent life skills such as the ability to dress and go to the toilet independently. Links have also been made to students’ GMS development and their language, behavioral and social-emotional ability.
The focus on teaching students the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle is also encouraged through our implementation of fruit time. Regular involvement in activities such as PE has been proven to be linked to improved academic performance, including children’s ability to pay attention and increase their memory.
