physical education

Sports and physical activity plays an integral part in the school week.  The children start the day with "Wake & Shake", a fun exercise routine that mentally prepares them for the academic work that follows.  We actively promote the understanding of the importance of exercise through a diverse range of sports and activities.

Every day the children use the playground at 'Play Time' where they enjoy using a large selection of fun sports equipment.  'Play Times' are staggered to enable the children to free play in lots of space.  Our hard-surface playground has markings for football, tennis and netball and includes permanent nets. It is regularly used for after-school clubs such as netball football dance and "Active Kids", a popular after-school club that many children attend.

We are fortunate to be closely located near to 'Vassals', a local park with large green flat areas and an impressive adventure playground which we use regularly. In  the open areas we teach the children team sports such as rounders, cricket, football, hockey and tag-rugby.

Once a year we invite all parents and friends to join the whole school at the Park for Gracefield's Sports Day. There are not only exciting fun 'round-robin' novelty races where all the children are active and involved, but also some competitive running races, followed by the highlight of the day the 'mums' and 'dads' races.

If the weather is not favourable, the children put on their showerproof jackets and walk to the local church where we use the large hall for indoor PE.  

The teachers focus on promoting team sports such as football, netball rounders and hockey. Throughout the year we have teams taking part in inter-school competitions and tournaments.

It is the aim of the school that every child should be able to swim well by the time they leave the school in Year 6.  All children from Year 2 to Year 6 go swimming every week, all year round.  A coach takes them to the local leisure centre where the children often progress their swimming skills through to gold level and lifesaving.  Our pupils show a high level of enthusiasm and commitment to sports and to each other. We aim high and enjoy many successes, at both personal and team level.