Sports Day is a significant event in the school calendar for early years students, providing a multitude of benefits that contribute to their overall development. One of the primary advantages is the promotion of physical health. Engaging in various activities such as running, jumping, and throwing helps children develop essential motor skills and improve their coordination. This active participation fosters a love for movement, encouraging healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Regular physical activity not only supports fitness but also helps reduce the risk of childhood obesity.

In addition to physical benefits, Sports Day serves as a vital social platform for young children. It provides an opportunity for them to interact with their peers in a fun and supportive environment. Through team-based activities and relay races, children learn the importance of cooperation and teamwork. These interactions help build friendships and improve communication skills, essential components of social development. The shared experiences during Sports Day promote a sense of belonging and community within the school, fostering positive relationships among students.

An integral part of this community spirit is embodied in the school houses: the Red Phoenix, Green Dragons, Yellow Tigers, and Blue Lions. Each house not only represents a unique identity but also instills a sense of pride and belonging among students. The friendly competition between houses adds an exciting dynamic to Sports Day, motivating children to participate actively and strive for success. This companionship encourages them to support their teammates, reinforcing the values of respect and collaboration.

Mentally, the benefits of participating in Sports Day are equally important. Physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, leading to improved mood and overall mental well-being. The excitement of competition, even at a young age, boosts self-esteem as children experience success, whether by winning a race or simply completing a challenge. This sense of achievement encourages resilience and determination—valuable traits that will serve them well as they progress in their educational journey.

Being part of a school house allows children to develop leadership skills. As they cheer for their teammates and take part in house rallies, they learn to motivate others and embrace sportsmanship, essential qualities that extend beyond the playground.

Sports Day is crucial for early years students, offering physical, social, and mental benefits that contribute to their holistic development. By participating in these event, children not only enhance their fitness but also cultivate essential life skills, build lasting friendships, and develop a sense of community that will support them throughout their educational experiences and beyond.

This week in Pre-Nursery has been very entertaining, centered around the delightful book Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. The children have actively participated in storytelling and have enjoyed singing along to the story's catchy tunes. In addition to this, we explored patterns and colours, with the children having a great time matching pairs of socks and then using them to create their own patterns. They also engaged in painting activities, making vibrant footprints with paint to design imaginative patterns and colour sequences.

Alongside all the fun with Pete the Cat, we celebrated Sports Day this week. I am incredibly proud of all the children for their enthusiastic participation on Wednesday. They listened attentively to instructions and cheered each other on, embodying the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie.

In Nursery, we have been immersing ourselves in the story The Sandcastle That Lola Built. The children absolutely loved the narrative, especially the moment when a big wave crashed and broke the castle. This pivotal event encouraged the friends to work together to rebuild their creation. Inspired by the story, everyone eagerly set to work building their own sandcastle masterpieces. They painted and decorated their sandcastles with colourful gems and sequins, using blocks and various shapes to construct unique structures. This activity was a wonderful exercise in creativity and teamwork.

To complement our sandcastle theme, we enjoyed singing and reading There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea during our music and reading sessions.

This week in Reception, we embraced the great outdoors, tending to our garden by watering the plants and observing the changing environment. The children eagerly collected bugs, asking insightful questions about their names and lifecycles, fostering curiosity and a love for nature. In Literacy, we enjoyed reading "Chicken Little," where the children practiced retelling the story in their own words and illustrating their favorite scenes, laying the groundwork for simple story writing. In Maths, we explored maps, enhancing skills like directionality and spatial awareness as the children built their own maps. We also had a fantastic Wednesday morning at our annual EYFS Sports Day, where the children showcased wonderful sportsmanship alongside their families, making their houses proud.

EYFS Overall Sports Day Results:

1st – Yellow Tigers: 286points

2nd – Green Dragons: 282 points

3rd – Blue Lions: 216 points

4th – Red Phoenix: 215 points


Mr. Jack Rudd

PE Teacher