Sport and Outdoor Education

Head of Faculty – Sport and Outdoor Education

Mrs Hawkwood hawkwoode@stmaryscolchester.org.uk

Physical Education

We offer a broad and balanced PE curriculum throughout the Key Stages. The aims of the PE department are to maintain and stimulate interest and enjoyment in PE, to promote health and fitness for current and future lifestyles. We aim to educate every student to her maximum potential, providing safe and enjoyable experiences with a varied, challenging programmed of physical activities. Through participation in PE, our students develop their self-confidence and a sense of responsibility for their own actions and the effects on themselves and others. We offer a wide range of clubs and teams and promote competition at all levels of ability.

Throughout the school we work to foster enjoyment of exercise and activity for its own sake and for its health benefits as well as encouraging participation, the development of skills and confidence. We also encourage self-motivation and decision making in students, with positive attitudes to fair play, honest competition and good sporting behaviour.

Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award

St Mary’s offers students the opportunity to participate in the DofE Award Scheme, which challenges young people aged 14 to 25 around the world to serve others, acquire new skills, experience adventure and make new friends.

Valued highly by colleges, universities and employers, the DofE Award has provided our students with some life-changing experiences, as well having been a lot of fun!

The Award is split into four sections, each of which participants must satisfactorily complete. The first three sections of the Award are almost limitless in their range of choice. Within these sections, each girl is encouraged to select her own programme of activities; some of which she may already be involved in, and others of which may be entirely new experiences.

Both the Bronze and the Silver Award are offered at St Mary’s.