Sport at The Beacon

PE

The aim of The Beacon Physical Education Department is to offer a broad, balanced and full curriculum of activities which will give the pupils the skills, knowledge and experience which are necessary to enjoy a wide range of sporting activities. Through their experiences delivered via the curriculum we hope to allow them to make an informed choice on the sporting activities which they would like to pursue in their leisure time, as well as enhancing their progress in sports played at school. Though not all boys can perform to a high standard, each individual will be expected to set realistic, attainable goals and to constantly try to improve them. All boys should realise the importance of sport in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, both now and in the future.

It is important that a positive experience is had whether it is by way of the activity being fun, or through individuals, groups or teams tasting success in a competitive environment. Physical Education at The Beacon includes athletics, badminton, basketball, SAQ, gymnastics, hockey, music and movement, swimming and tennis. Pupils will experience each area of activity in varying depths depending on their age, ability and aptitude.

Physical Education contributes to the overall education of young people by helping them to lead full and active lives through engaging in purposeful physical activity. It can:

• develop physical competence and help to promote physical development
• teach pupils, through experience, to know about and value the benefits of participation in physical activity while at school and throughout life
• help to acquire an appreciation of skilful and creative performances across the areas of activity
• promote the development of problem-solving skills
• assist in the establishment of self-esteem through the development of physical confidence
• help with the development of inter-personal skills

I would like every boy to leave The Beacon with a positive view of sport, and with a willingness to participate in a variety of sports and activities because it is both enjoyable and important to them.

We can create the positive experience by:

• being realistic in our expectations of the boys
• making activities enjoyable and worthwhile
• exposing them to individual and group success

As well as formal lessons and competitive matches, some of the boys will be able to pursue their interest in squash, water polo and badminton in a more leisure-orientated approach. This option is not open to all boys, although we hope to cater for the interests of as many of the boys as possible.

Games

The Games Department ethos is slightly different to the Physical Education Department in that it is both selective and competitive. Ultimately the purpose of games sessions is to prepare the team in the skills required to play competitive inter school fixtures. Teams are generally selected on ability, although there are other factors such as attitude, effort and behaviour that will influence selection. There will also be times where boys are not selected to allow others, who have not had the opportunity to play, a chance to represent The Beacon. The structure allows individuals to move both up and down through the ability groups in their age group. For exceptionally talented individuals there will be the occasional opportunity to compete out of age group, in the year above, where it is deemed beneficial by members of the games department.

At the start of every term, we intend every boy to play at least one competitive match for The Beacon. There are many factors that work against us achieving this goal including cancellation of fixtures and unavailability of boys, however we will strive to play as high a percentage as possible in competitive matches, whilst maintaining high standards of performance.

With the growth in the number of teams playing competitive matches, there are an increasing number of fixtures played at the weekends that require the support and transport assistance from a large number of parents. This extra commitment from parents, boys and staff is greatly appreciated and crucial if we are to offer greater opportunities to more boys at The Beacon.

Boys who are selected to represent The Beacon are expected to play.

David Robinson
Director of Sport