Physical education and sport are an important part of our curriculum, giving children opportunities to enjoy being active and grow more confident in their physical abilities.
At Dallington, we want every child to develop a positive relationship with physical activity. Children bring different interests and levels of confidence to sport, just as they do to other areas of learning. Our approach reflects this individuality, encouraging them to explore unfamiliar activities and recognise their own progress.
Through movement and games, children also learn about working with others. They discover how to contribute to a team, respect different abilities and keep trying when something takes practice.
Our Sports Curriculum
Each group has two sports sessions per week. Depending on their age, children are introduced to a variety of games and sports, with activities developing as their coordination and understanding grow.
Our sports curriculum helps children build the skills they need to participate with increasing confidence. Alongside learning how to move and play, they begin to understand the decisions involved in a game: when to pass, where to position themselves and how to respond to others.
These experiences support our wider aim of helping children become confident, independent learners. Physical education offers opportunities to put learning into practice, see what happens and adjust an approach through experience.
Building Physical Skills Through Play
In foundation gym sessions, children develop physical and spatial awareness, basic control and coordination through structured floor work.
They copy, remember and repeat simple actions, while also exploring different ways of moving. Music and movement give them opportunities to combine actions and express their ideas physically.
Turn-taking games introduce simple tactics and help children become more aware of those playing alongside them. Waiting for a turn or responding to another child’s movement becomes part of the learning.
This emphasis on play reflects our progressive approach to education. Children have opportunities to practise emerging skills in an enjoyable setting, developing familiarity and confidence as they explore what they can do.
Team Games and Learning Together
As children become more coordinated, they are introduced to competitive team games such as cricket, football, netball, rounders and tag rugby. Each activity brings different challenges. Children develop their understanding of rules and tactics while learning how their decisions affect the team. Communication becomes increasingly important as they work towards a shared goal.
Team sport also gives practical meaning to Dallington’s values. Children learn to appreciate what others contribute and recognise when a teammate needs encouragement. Showing consideration for someone who is learning a new skill is as much a part of the experience as developing that skill themselves.
We partner with other schools for local competitions in swimming, rounders and football, giving children the chance to put their skills into practice against new opponents. Dallington FC is a firm favourite with our pupils, and Sports Day at Parliament Hill is a highlight of the school year, when every child can take part and cheer on their friends.
Swimming and Kayaking
We believe every child should have the opportunity to learn to swim. All children from Year 1 onwards attend swimming lessons during the school year at Ironmonger Row Baths, a short walk from the school.
Swimming gives children opportunities to develop their skills in the water and become more confident in a different physical environment. It is a valuable part of their physical education and a skill they can continue to use beyond school.
Middle School children also have the opportunity to learn to kayak during the Summer Term at Shadwell Basin in Wapping. This introduces another way to enjoy being active and extends their experience of sport beyond familiar team games.
Opportunities Beyond Sports Lessons
For children who would like to develop their football further, our after-school football club offers weekly training and matches against local teams.
Early morning exercise and yoga sessions also encourage children to prepare themselves for the school day. These offer a different experience of movement alongside the games and activities within the sports curriculum.
By introducing children to varied forms of physical activity, we hope to help them discover interests they will carry with them as they grow.
Discover Learning at Dallington
The best way to understand our approach is to visit Dallington and experience school life for yourself. Meet our teachers and talk to us about your child’s interests, including how sport and physical education form part of their learning.