Sporting breadth: The development of multidisciplinary skills in the P.E. & Games curriculum.

Sporting breadth: The development of multidisciplinary skills in the P.E. & Games curriculum. BISC-LP Athletics Director, Adam Webb is back with an insightful take on the role that sport plays early on in the development of future engagement and interest.

You really don’t have to walk through the city far before spotting a jersey, hat or jacket emblazoned with one of Chicago’s iconic sports team logos. Sport is just part of the fabric, part of the DNA of being in this city, and it’s something the city embraces. From the White Sox to Bears, from WNBA champions, Chicago Sky, to the collegiate Northwestern Wildcats, anyone can find their sport. This is absolutely the dogma sports and physical activity should have at its heart, ‘There is something for everyone!’

For some time now, the physical education department has been focused on developing an environment that is accessible to every student at our school. One that allows for a wide variety of skills and experiences to be taught, developed, and built upon. At the heart of every fundamental sports review that has appeared in the last number of years, there is one key message that remains consistent through all organizations, early experiences of physical education and sports is critical in future engagement. Simply put, positive early experiences make for a longer commitment.

So how do we shape that in the school environment in which we are in? Well, the curriculum that we deliver provides opportunities across the year to develop a variety of skills and principles in a range of different games, both cooperative and competitive. For example, from just October through to December, our students will be experiencing the skills below;

Our KS2 Games curriculum is an area that has evolved significantly in recent years. It is a highly anticipated feature of the timetable and affords us greater breadth within the curriculum. The options provided are continually being explored to ensure the children experience activities from a multitude of areas. The recent additions of both Fencing and Archery have been a remarkable success and, excitedly, feedback suggests has sparked interest from some young learners who prefer alternative options to team-based sports.

So what’s next, and how can you help engage your child in physical activity? The Athletics Department have identified 3 simple top tips on how to make that first step in the right direction, or to supplement an already active approach;

1. Start at school - join a school sports club, even just for a term.

2. Get active regularly and often – being active doesn’t have to be a huge commitment. Walk the dog, go to the park after school, walk and cycle, or include everyone in a DEAM challenge (see below).

3. Refer a friend – We have many connections to clubs and associations through the school. Reach out and we’ll be glad to help and point you in a direction that best suits you.