We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Louise Broome, the PE Coach and Co-ordinator at Wilmslow Prep School, to find out more about how sports and games play such an important role in primary schools. Louise spoke to us about the health benefits of sports, how it helps promote self-esteem and what WPS staff do to encourage pupils to play sports at their School.
What are the health benefits of playing sports in school?
Apart from offering an opportunity to exercise during the school week, I help the pupils start to develop an understanding of the relationship between well-being and sport, and the importance of this in life. Overall, we want the pupils to develop a lifelong love of sport and exercise, not only because of the clear health benefits to the individual, but because it also equips pupils with skills to help them socialise, meet new people and make friends in new situations, later in life. We are giving young people important life skills and we take this very seriously.
How does playing a school sport help with children’s self-esteem?
Everyone can enjoy sport. The hugely successful “This Girl Can” campaign which Sport England runs, demonstrates very well that Sport is for everyone of any size, shape, or ability. Our philosophy at WPS is to ensure everyone is included and can play a part. Each pupil is encouraged to work to the very best of their ability, and is praised and supported for doing so, which helps their self-esteem enormously. Which child does not want to go back home and proudly tell their family of their achievements?
How does WPS support children who are interested in sports?
At WPS, we encourage all pupils to engage in sports, and for those who are especially talented or interested, there are plenty of opportunities to extend their talents. We run teams that play matches against other schools, and there are competitions, internally and externally, in which the pupils can test their skills. This wider exposure is important for development so we also help pupils connect with clubs and sports facilities in the community. Many of our pupils pursue their sporting and athletic endeavours in the variety of incredible clubs we are fortunate to have locally. We have great contacts within these clubs and aim to help our children find the right coaching environment to improve their skills.
How often do children partake in physical activity at school?
The children have two timetabled PE lessons per week and have access to a wide range of sports clubs run by internal and external coaches on a daily basis. We are fortunate to have a fabulous large purpose-built Sports Hall, so our games, PE lessons and fixtures can continue at the highest level, and are not disrupted by inclement weather!
Are there any academic benefits to playing sports in school?
It is my belief that an active body leads to an active mind. Most people would probably agree that a balance of physical and mental activity is important to develop a rounded child and that is our aim at WPS.
Do you have any relationships with local sports clubs?
We have excellent relationships with many local sports clubs and have particularly strong links with Wilmslow Hockey Club, whose facilities we use on a regular basis, as well as with Alderley Edge Cricket Club and Hale Cricket Club.
What activities/sports/games do you play at WPS with the younger children?
Here at WPS we play netball, hockey, rounders, football, cricket, athletics, and tennis. The pupils also develop skills and compete in athletics, gymnastics and cross country, as well as dance and martial arts.