Physical Education at Welcombe Hills School
Welcombe Hills School believes that physical education, experienced in a safe and supportive environment, is vital and unique in its contribution to a pupil’s physical and emotional development and health. The physical education curriculum aims to provide for pupils’ increasing self-confidence through an ability to manage themselves successfully in a variety of situations. A balance of individual, team, co-operative and competitive activities aim to cater for individual pupil’s needs and abilities. The scheme of work is based on progressive learning objectives, which, combined with varied, and flexible teaching styles, endeavour to provide appropriate, stimulating, challenging and enjoyable learning situations for all pupils. The scheme aims to promote an understanding of the many benefits of exercise, through a balanced range of relevant activities.
To meet national targets for PE each child is entitled to and receives a minimum of 2 hours of PE per week.
Swimming
Swimming at Welcombe Hills School is very successful. Every child from Year R to Year 14 is given the opportunity to swim at Stratford Leisure Centre if it is appropriate for them. They are taught by ASA qualified swimming instructors and we follow the National Teaching Plan for Swimming. Younger pupils who cannot achieve the criteria set out in the first badges of the National Teaching Plan are encouraged to work towards achieving the criteria set out in the STA Swimming Award Scheme. This is very important for our younger pupils as they love to receive badges and certificates and it encourages them to continue trying. As soon as they are able pupils transfer on to the National Teaching Plan and work their way through the badges. Pupils in Key Stage 4 are given the opportunity to gain basic personal survival skills and life saving skills.
Trampoline
We are very lucky that funding has been secured from the School Sports Partnership to allow us to buy in a qualified Trampoline coach. She comes into school on a Wednesday and the pupils are given the opportunity to gain some basic trampoline skills.
Horse Riding
Riding is offered to pupils in Key Stage 2 in six week blocks. Olympia Allen who is an experienced horse rider organises these sessions. They attend one session per week at Rookery Farm, Ettington. This venue is outdoors and sessions continue throughout the warmer months. Sessions are led by RDA volunteer staff but Welcombe Hills staff accompanying pupils may be asked to walk alongside riders. The experience of riding enables pupils to acquire elementary horse riding skills, stable management skills, confidence and self esteem. It also allows opportunities for adventure and success alongside peers and in the community. The skills of balance, posture, rhythm, sensory stimulation, attention, fine and gross motor skills are developed through horse riding.
Pupils are awarded their Level 1 rosette and certificate once they have mastered the skills set out in this level. Some pupils have also gone on to achieve their Level 2 award.
The benefits of horse riding are enormous to all of our pupils and especially those with PMLD who have the ability to sit up. This activity allows them to experience the freedom of movement they would not otherwise feel. In order for this to continue we have to do a lot of fundraising both in school and out. We are also extremely lucky that organisations like Alcester Tennis Club and members of the RDA have held functions to raise much needed funds for the horse riding to be able to continue.