Games and the enjoyment of physical activities are taken very seriously at St. Matthew’s.  We believe that regular experiences of sport enthuse and inspire pupils to participate fully and develop a life-long love of physical activity, sport and exercise.  We are committed to the provision of a minimum of two hours taught P.E. per week and often exceed this. We believe a range of activity is important and the pupils all participate in dance, team games and gymnastics over the year. Pupils learn about their changing bodies and the importance of nutrition and rest for a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Through sport and other physical activities, they learn to increase body control, coordination and dexterity.

Pupils also learn about their responsibilities both as individuals and members of groups and teams. They learn to cooperate and to compete fairly, understanding their own and others’ roles.

Swimming is taught in years 4, 5 and 6. We hire the swimming pool and instructors at the nearby Shrewsbury House School and the pupils enjoy an invigorating walk there and back. Each pupil participates in three terms of swimming over their time at St. Matthew’s and no charge is incurred for lessons by the families. We believe that it is an essential life skill to be able to swim and acknowledge that the National Curriculum expects that pupils can swim a minimum distance of 25metres unaided by the time they leave our school at the end of Year 6. This year (ending in July 2015) 40 out of the cohort of 44 reached this target- a success rate of 91%. Last year (ending in July 2014) 41 out of the cohort of 44 pupils reached this target- a success of just over 93%. However, we do not rest on our laurels and ensure extra catch up sessions are provided during the summer holidays for pupils who have not made the expected target.

We employ sports coaches during the lunch hour for our Key Stage 2 pupils so that as many pupils as possible can be engaged purposefully in a range of sporting activities and we hold a huge range of free extra curricular activities, that currently includes Country Dancing and Netball. Paid clubs also include gymnastics for Years 1 & 2 and Tai Kwon Do.

Sports challenges and matches are held regularly between local schools throughout the year. We have recently been awarded The Sainsbury’s School Games Mark which is a Government led awards scheme launched in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community.