PE and Sport remains pivotal to life at Heathlands, and that was definitely the case during the Autumn Term. Children across the school enjoyed a broad range of lessons, had the opportunity to attend a variety of clubs, and a large number of children represented the school at sports events and fixtures.  

Children in EYFS got their first experience of PE at Heathlands and it is safe to say they enjoyed their lessons. The focus is very much on developing agility, balance and co-ordination through imaginative lessons based around a wide range of themes. The highlight for the children (and adults) was fireworks week! Next term they will be learning through dance and gymnastics. 

Children in Year One and Two continued to develop their agility, balance and co-ordination through story based lessons that provided inspiration for a range of challenges. Football lessons were also very popular, with all children improving their ability to dribble with the ball, and keep it away from an opponent. In the Spring Term children will continue to develop their fundamental movement skills, further develop their ability to catch and throw, and take part in dance lessons. 

Children in Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 enjoyed challenging themselves in a number of ways. They attempted to run a longer distance by pacing themselves in cross country, before developing their jumping, throwing and running technique in sportshall athletics. It is great to see how the children improve in these activities year on year, and they will soon receive their certificates marking how far they have come. Children also enjoyed dodgeball lessons, tag rugby or football, and gymnastics. Year 4 even tried parkour, which was so popular other year groups will now be having a go! Next term children will learn more about netball, enjoy hockey or basketball lessons, and further develop their dance skills. 

It is always a pleasure to take children to sporting events. It is an opportunity to see them apply what they have learnt in lessons and at clubs in and out of school. Children show determination and resilience, develop their ability to work as part of a team, and develop interests that will hopefully remain a part of their lives a long time after they have left Heathlands. It is also fantastic to see the respect children show through their attitude and approach to sport, as well as the enjoyment they take from being involved. 

In just one term this year, it has already been possible to take a large number of children from Year 4, 5 and 6 to different events, with more events lined up in the Spring and Summer Term to try and increase that number even further. There have been a number of football completions and fixtures, for boys and girls, across the term, as well as Year 5 and 6 Cross Country, where most of our teams finished 4th, and our Year 5 girls team finished 2nd. Our dodgeball team played very well and finished 4th, and we also attended a ten-pin bowling event which was enjoyed by everyone with plenty of half strikes and strikes. Our new age curling team did incredibly well to finish 2nd in their competition, while our boccie team won their event and will soon attend a County event. Our basketball team won their competition as well, attended the County competition just before Christmas where they continued to improve and play some amazing basketball.