Sport
Sport at Bootham
The PE department endeavours to inspire Bootham students to enjoy and engage in a lifelong participation of physical activity. The importance of an active and healthy lifestyle is vital, and we aim to motivate and excite students to continue beyond their time at Bootham. Through the setting of a broad range of challenging learning experiences pupils are able to develop their competences, to grow and to learn.
This is supported by the setting of high standards and expectations, regular participation, a programme of competitive fixtures for the many performing at a higher level, and by encouraging all pupils to strive to achieve their potential. In addition there is support for those seeking excellence through participating in sport at representative level including county, regional and on occasion national level, but also house matches to allow exposure to competition for all skill levels.
Lessons
Lessons cover a wide variety of individual and team pursuits, including our winter team games (football and basketball- boys, netball and football – girls, swimming and cross country – boys and girls), summer team games (cricket-boys, rounders and cricket-girls and tennis and athletics – boys and girls). Other activities include badminton, dance, fitness, gymnastics, volleyball. There is also an extremely popular outdoor education programme. Older pupils have an option system within PE which includes all the major team games, as well as activities such as badminton, climbing, dance, personal fitness, swimming, tennis, boxercise and yoga.
Aims
• We seek to actively engage, motivate and encourage all pupils to set high standards and expectations for themselves and their own performances.
• We encourage pupils to tackle challenging physical problems, to be imaginative in their thinking and to develop their problem solving, tactics and strategies.
• We encourage and support pupils as they strive for excellence.
• We help pupils to learn to evaluate their own and others performances in order to facilitate the highest level of thinking and progress.
• We encourage the improvement of social competences through the appreciation and respect of others, as well as to develop a sense of fairness and good sportsmanship.
• We introduce the pupils to a range of sporting activities and opportunities so that they can gain the confidence to follow their interests.
• We seek to improve alertness of pupils so that they can gain the most from curriculum PE as well as other academic studies.
• We encourage and develop self- motivation so that pupils participate in physical activity both inside and outside of school because they have the desire to.
• We provide the pupils with a good understanding and awareness of personal and group safety when participating in physical activity.
Skills
Physical Education is an important part of a pupil’s education. They can learn new skills in an enjoyable environment and meet their own potential in their chosen activity, as well as develop the skills of cooperation, support and team work and challenge their personal goals and competitive instincts. It is vital that our students leave Bootham with lifelong skills that will allow them to achieve their desire to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
Students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. The award is offered at Bronze, Silver and Gold level. Sections include – Volunteering, Skill, Physical Recreation and Expeditions. The award requires commitment from the students and is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills or to develop interests. Giving service to the community and developing lasting friendships are also a key feature.