Benefits of Physical Education and Sport at Churchill
We believe that physical education and sports are an important and integral part of primary education. Helping children to find activities that they enjoy and in which they can achieve are reaped when they engage and want to continue physical activity far beyond their primary years. Sports offer children far more than just the physical benefits; there are mental and emotional benefits, as well as the social aspects of being involved in a team, which children will enjoy. At Churchill, we look to ensure that our P.E. curriculum and co-curricular clubs:
A high-five, pat on the back, thumbs up, or even a nod of approval – these are simple gestures that can help build confidence in kids. You’ll often see these signals come from teammates and coaches when they want to recognise someone for a job well done. Children also develop self-confidence the more they learn about themselves and their abilities.
Tell a child to exercise and they may find many excuses not to participate. Exercise does, after all, sound like work. But tell them to go out and play with their friends, and you won’t get an argument. When children play sports and take part in dance or gymnastics, they probably don’t even realise how much healthier they are becoming. They are building stamina and endurance. Their hearts are getting healthier thanks to all the aerobic activity and they are maintaining a healthy body weight which will help them ward off problems in later life associated with obesity.
Teaches Leadership Skills
Team sports provide children with an excellent opportunity to learn about leadership. They learn about responsibility as they recognise the vital roles they play on their team. Leadership isn’t always about who is the best or on top; quiet leadership is about being accountable for your actions and being a role model for sportsmanship.
The ability to cooperate and work well with others is a skill that our children learn playing sports and which will stay with them throughout their entire lives. It will benefit them as they move on to secondary school and prove invaluable when they have to work with others in the world of work.
Because of the social aspect of team sports, children learn how to handle themselves better in social situations. They develop a sense of camaraderie and community, allowing them to maintain and nurture stronger relationships.
Good communication is vital in team sport. Children learn to give one another feedback in a constructive and supportive way. They learn to work together, interpreting body language and analysing together where they have succeeded and what needs to improve.
Sports don’t just teach children the basics of playing different games, but they also instills respect for authority and rules. At a very young age, children who play sports learn the consequences that come with not following the rules. They are taught to respect their coaches and teachers who guide them and the umpires and referees who work to ensure the games are fair. They also learn good sportsmanship and to treat their opponents respectfully, win or lose. At Churchill we work hard with the children to ensure that 'Fair Play' is as important as winning.
Independence and Time Management
Young athletes have been observed to be better students. Through sports, children learn about time management and discipline. Children have to remember their clubs schedules, ensure they have the correct kit on the right day, be responsible for being changed, ready and in the right place at the right time. All of these independence skills will support them in other areas of there school lives as well as with their sports.