Physical Education
Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity all play an important part in any child’s educational journey. Verulam PE aims to provide planned progressive learning to all pupils through a broad range of activities and experiences.
School Sport is experienced beyond the main curriculum and many pupils benefit from extending their learning by representing us on the competitive stage. It is our main focus that all pupils should understand the benefits of physical activity in a healthy, balanced lifestyle now and into their future.
Intent
- A broad and balanced curriculum is offered across the key stages allowing each pupil to experience differing activities in a safe and enjoyable framework.
Implementation
- Year 7, 8 and 9 are timetabled for 3 periods of curriculum PE per week. This includes 2 periods at the games field and a single PE period in the Sports-hall. Year 10 are allocated 2 single PE periods and Year 11 are allocated 1 single PE lesson, both in the Sports-hall.
- GCSE PE and BTEC Sport (Level 2) is offered from Year 10. This provides 3 periods per week.
- BTEC Sport (Level 3) is offered from Year 12. This provides 6 periods per week.
- Sports Leaders (Level 2) is now offered to a select group of pupils in Year 9. This provides 3 periods per week.
Impact (Outcomes)
- Personal Development of each pupil whilst promoting positive attitudes and behaviour are key principles of curriculum impact. Enjoyment and confidence are built through individual and team tasks, independent learning and effective leadership skills are encouraged to build knowledge, skills and understanding in a wide range of activity.
- Extra-curricular competitive sport has a part to play and is delivered in the main areas of rugby, football, cricket and athletics.
- The annual ‘Verulympics’ house sport competition delivers outstanding participation rates where the impact outcomes of enjoyment, confidence, character and resilience are all evident.
STAFF
- Mr P O’CONNOR (Head of Department)
- Mr R LEWIS (Head of Vocational Education)
- Mr O DOYLE (Head of Year)
- Mr O GILES (Professional Mentor)
- Mr G WATERS
Verulam PE Operational Procedures
Sandpit Lane Sports Field
Both pupils and parents will find here all the information they need to understand the expectations regarding games at our off-site facility.
Travel Procedures
- Pupils will travel by foot using the official route to Sandpit Lane.
- PE Staff will accompany the pupils on the journey to Sandpit Lane.
- Pupils must be aware of basic road safety.
- Pupils who cycle to school are permitted to bring bikes to games-these are required to be walked to games and NOT cycled.
- Departure time (via the back of school) is approx. 1.50pm.
- On arrival pupils will enter directly into their allocated changing rooms.
- FULL SCHOOL UNIFORM IS REQUIRED TO BE WORN IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.
Changing Rooms – Basic Rules
- BOOTS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED INSIDE THE BUILDING.
- No food will be consumed anywhere in the building.
- Entry to the changing room will be via the main double doors.
- Pupils should only enter the changing room allocated to their group.
- Pupils should stay in changing room until they are called out by their teacher.
- All clothing should be named and hung on the pegs provided.
- Changing should be prompt and noise kept to a minimum.
Kit Required
Compulsory: Trainers AND Boots, Games socks
Optional Items: Shin pads, Mouth guard, Towel, Thermal, Tracksuit (Blue), Water Bottle
Lesson Procedures
Prior To Lesson:
- Registration will take place before we leave the main school site.
- Pupils who have failed to provide kit will be recorded at this stage.
- Once changed and registered all pupils are required to complete a warm-up run as routine following the prescribed course.
- Following completion of warm-up pupils should sit in form lines in register order.
- Toilet facilities/water taps should be used prior to the start of the lesson.
End Of Lesson
- Pupils will be expected to enter the changing room safely and change in a calm, orderly environment.
- All boots will be removed before entry.
- As part of our responsibility to promote healthy living and hygiene we encourage pupils to take a shower after vigorous exercise. If pupils wish to take a shower, they should provide a towel.
- Staff will ensure school uniform is worn correctly.
- Pupils should check that they have all their personal items with them before they leave.
Dismissal / Departure
- All pupils will be required to wear full school uniform.
- Pupils should never re-enter the building once they have been dismissed.
- Departure should be swift with pupils remaining fully aware of cars on the driveway.
- Parents picking up pupils should park in ROSE WALK. We respectfully request that parents do NOT enter the games field site at any time.
- Pupils travelling home by school bus will be released in time to walk to bus stop.
- Pupils returning to school must go directly back via the prescribed route.
Behaviour For Learning (Examples)
| Problem or Issue | Sanction |
|---|---|
| Failure to bring FULL correct kit | C1/C2 |
| Consistent failure to bring FULL correct kit | C3 |
| Failure to follow code of conduct and basic rules outlined | C1/C2 |
| Consistent failure to follow code of conduct and basic rules outlined | C3 |
| Consistent instances of insolence or poor behaviour | C3 |
| Deliberate vandalism | C5 |
| Attempted/actual theft of equipment | C5 |
Valuables Procedures
- The changing block is locked during games lessons unless access is required by staff.
- Pupils who have cash with them should declare this to a member of staff.
- At the end of the lesson changing rooms will be unlocked by a member of staff.
Remember it is not sensible to bring valuable items to school and especially to off-site games.
Lost Property
- ALL GAMES KIT/EQUIPMENT MUST BE NAMED.
- When kit is left in the changing room it will be placed in the containers provided.
- If the boys cannot find their piece of clothing or footwear it may have been taken home by another student-If you find a piece of clothing or equipment that does not belong to you then please return it to student reception where it will be returned to the named owner.
- Form prefects will be responsible for an initial clear up of lost property.
- Any remaining named kit will be collected once a week by the Site Manager and will then be returned to pupils via student reception.
MAXIMUM PARTICIPATION POLICY– the PE department believes that all pupils can play a part in all games sessions irrespective of minor injury/illness.
Pupils With Limited Participation (Short Term)
- Pupils who have a minor injury or illness should attend Games and take part in the lesson to the best of their ability.
- PE teachers will allocate tasks which may include analysis and observation, coaching, officiating or other tasks.
- Parents should provide a letter outlining the minor injury or illness and this will be taken into consideration by the PE staff.
- Pupils who have minor injuries should still bring full games kit so that they can take part with the rest of the group.
- Pupils who are unable to take any part in the lesson will watch the games session from the fields so they will need weather appropriate clothing.
- Notes from the school Matron will also be considered but pupils will still be expected to take part to the best of their ability.
Pupils Not Participating (Long Term)
- Long term dockets are issued when a pupil cannot participate in games for an extended period due to a long term illness/injury or exceptional circumstance.
- Any period of non-participation beyond two weeks will require a long term docket.
- These dockets are issued by Heads of Year and must be applied for by parental letter.
- This letter should also contain a contact number (school can contact parents/guardians if required). Also please provide a timescale regarding the probable length of the non-participation.
- Pupils with official dockets will remain at school for games. They will be provided with suitable academic work to complete in school.
Please direct any questions/queries directly to the Head of PE using the following e-mail: paul.oconnor@verulam.herts.sch.uk
