This academic year has seen a significant development in the way that we teach and celebrate PE at BSB Sanlitun, with the introduction of regular house competitions. They exemplify our philosophy that sport is for everyone: all students have the opportunity to develop their skills through competition and earn points for their house. Our latest house competition, our House Indoor Athletics Competition, took place last week with all Primary students competing in three disciplines: long jump, high jump and javelin.
Preparation for these three events began a month prior to the competition, as students learned the specific techniques for each of the events and had opportunities to practise and develop their skills. In each PE lesson, students learned the key points of each technique and were given progressive challenges to help them improve their skills, for example moving from a standing long jump, to attempting the jump at walking pace, to approaching the jump at full pace. Across the school, we saw great individual performances in training, plenty of encouragement between classmates and many students showing their Be Resilient skills - it does take some courage to attempt your first high jump over the bar!
The competition days last week were very exciting! Students wore their House colour T-shirts and cheered each other on as their strove to earn the vital House points, with many of them echoing the Olympics motto of 'faster, higher, stronger' as they improved their personal bests. There was a great atmosphere in the gym as the students competed: every successful high jump attempt received cheers and applause, long jump distances became more impressive and we also recorded some brilliant javelin throws. It was fantastic to see the students encouraging each other and also helping the teaching staff set up the equipment for each event.
In a closely fought contest, eventually it was the Blue Romans that emerged victorious in our inaugural athletics contest, ahead of the Red Normans, Green Saxons and Yellow Vikings. This was another superb House sporting event and we’re looking forward to our Sports Day and House competitions in tee ball and basketball next term.
By Thomas Wood
Head of PE
