Games

Aims

In the teaching of Games, we aim:

• • To promote personal development through physical activity.
  • To develop confidence and self esteem through an inclusive Games program.
  • To ensure that all children are given the same opportunities to enjoy and participate in any particular activity. Tasks are differentiated so that the more able are challenged and the less able are given the support that they require.
  • To ensure pupils understand the short and long-term effects of exercise on the body systems. Make pupils aware of the various methods of improving fitness, preparing for activities and recovering afterwards.
  • To help pupils to value safety codes, minimise risk and avoid danger.

• To develop problem solving skills.
• To develop inter-personal skills such as integrity, fairness, self-discipline and a concern for quality as well as success.
• To ensure pupils in teams treat opponents, fellow team members, umpires and referees with respect.
• To identify outstanding athletes and pupils with special needs.
• To instill a sense of personal pride in pupils’ performance and progress. Pupils should have high expectations and should have high standards in terms of appearance, attitude, effort as well as attainment.

Organisation

Head of Girls’ Department Mrs Jacquie Wilcox

Head of Boys’ Department Mr Richard Chuter

All pupils at Town Close are given the opportunity to take part in traditional team games. For boys these are rugby, football, hockey and cricket. For girls these are hockey, netball and cricket. The School has a comprehensive fixture list for teams all the way through the Prep Department. We compete further a field in regional and national competitions. We promote equal opportunity in sport and differentiation is an integral element of the Games programme. Every pupil has the advantage of being taught by qualified Games Teachers and Specialist Coaches. This allows the School to field numerous teams at each age group, not only are we able to ensure that there is healthy competition for places but also that the majority of pupils will, at some point during their life at Town Close, be able to play a competitive match at a level matched to their ability.

Content

Sport plays a major part of school life at Town Close. It is an area in which children gain self-confidence, develop all aspects of physical fitness and learn a range of skills and techniques in a wide variety of sporting activities. It is also a medium through which many life skills are developed. These include: team work, good sportsmanship, self-discipline, respect for others, communication and fair play. An understanding of the physical benefits of regular exercise is developed to promote sport as an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

We support the IAPS Code of Practice which sets out the expectations of teachers / coaches, competitors and parents / spectators at all IAPS sports events.