At Michaelchurch Escley School, our Physical Education (PE) curriculum is meticulously designed to promote fitness, well-being, and a lifelong passion for physical activity through sport. We believe that regular exercise is vital for both physical and mental health, which is why we integrate physical activity throughout the school week.

Our PE program offers a comprehensive and balanced curriculum that fosters progression across all-year groups. From Reception through Year 6, students participate in a diverse range of activities aimed at enhancing their physical skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The curriculum features a variety of engaging experiences, including tennis, tag rugby, golf, and dance, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore different forms of physical activity and advance through increasingly challenging content as they grow.

Daily Mile Initiative

In our commitment to keeping children active, all classes participate in the Daily Mile initiative, where students engage in a daily run around the school grounds. This initiative helps improve fitness, build stamina, and enhance concentration, ensuring that children remain engaged and ready to learn throughout the day.

Michaelchurch Swim Program

Our bespoke swimming program has been successfully implemented for three years. We offer in-house swimming lessons conducted by our qualified Level 2 Swimming Coaches, who are also class teachers and lifeguards. Utilising the Bronyll Riverside International pool provides an excellent venue for high-quality swimming instruction. From Reception to Year 6, students have the opportunity to progress through various swimming stages, earning badges as they improve. For our most confident swimmers, we offer a Rookie Lifeguard course, equipping them with essential life-saving skills. We believe swimming is a vital life skill, and our aim is for every student to become a confident swimmer, prepared with the necessary skills for safety in and around water.

Active Playtimes

We encourage active play by empowering our Oak Class students to lead games, promoting leadership and cooperation during break and lunchtime. These students receive training from Stride Active, fostering participation, leadership, and enjoyment in play.

Sporting Events

At Michaelchurch Escley, we actively engage in local sporting competitions and tournaments, including football tournaments, multi-skills festivals, and the School Games. These events provide our pupils with the opportunity to compete and represent the school, helping to build self-esteem and instilling the values of teamwork, discipline, and fair play. We encourage all children to participate, strive for their best, and demonstrate good sportsmanship, whether in team or individual sports.

After-School Clubs

Our after-school clubs offer a diverse and exciting range of activities. Highlights include a Bike Club led by Mr. Crocker, sports club, 3Degreez Cheerleading club,  Starlight Dance Company club, fencing and cross-country running club. 

In-House Competitions

We regularly host in-house competitions to foster a spirit of friendly competition and allow students to showcase their skills in a supportive environment. This comprehensive approach ensures that our students not only develop their physical abilities but also their confidence, teamwork, and enthusiasm for being active.

School Games Mark

We are proud to have achieved the prestigious School Games Gold Mark for the 2024-2025 academic year, recognising our dedication to high-quality sports provision.

Highland Games

A highlight of our school year is the annual Highland Games, a fun-filled event that brings the entire school community together. Students participate in traditional Scottish sports such as tossing the caber, shot put, foot races, and tug of war. To add to the excitement, students dress up in kilts, and we encourage adults to join in the festivities, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition.

 

Outdoor Activities

Our strong emphasis on outdoor learning extends into our PE provision, taking full advantage of our rural location. Most PE lessons are conducted outdoors, with gymnastics as an exception. We frequently teach various aspects of the curriculum outside, promoting physical movement, leadership skills, and teamwork. Throughout their school journey, students participate in various trips, including residential visits to activity centres and day trips featuring activities such as gorge walking, caving, and climbing. The annual Bay to Hay bike ride takes students over the mountain from school to the picturesque town of Hay on Wye. We also provide weekly Forest School sessions, allowing students to engage with nature while developing physical fitness, resilience, and problem-solving skills. These sessions include hands-on activities such as shelter building, walking, and adventurous play.

Our goal is to ensure that every child leaves Michaelchurch Escley Primary School with a solid foundation in physical education, a love for sports, and the confidence to pursue a healthy, active lifestyle.