Using Sport to Support Students' Well-being - Leweston in the News, Physical Education Matters

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PRACTICE MATTERS

USING PHYSICAL EDUCATION, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT TO SUPPORT STUDENTS’ WELLBEING Sara Guy

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he experience of physical education, sport and physical activity at Leweston School is unique. It evolves around the concept of ‘team’, focuses on the whole Leweston community and is forever considering the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of all concerned. An athlete-centred approach allows each and every pupil to find their niche, contribute to the increasingly broad programme of activities on offer, and achieve their own individual goals. Set in 45 acres of rural Dorset countryside, Leweston provides an idyllic backdrop for all the sporting events it provides for our pupils, from nursery through to sixth form. It is impossible not to be inspired by the natural beauty of the school’s surroundings and the desire to be outside and amongst it is tangible. The nursery pupils are regularly seen walking within the grounds and taking advantage of the fresh air and open space. They have regular PE lessons delivered by specialist staff and swimming lessons are a weekly feature for all those in transition class upwards. Leweston ticks all of the boxes in terms of providing a traditional offering of school team sport. Hockey, netball, rugby, football, tennis and cricket are all delivered, sometimes with mixed, co-ed teams. This allows for an all-inclusive approach which aims to involve everyone at their own level. Whilst teams progress to county and regional finals, there is also competition at inter-house level, with all taking part.

However, Leweston goes further, delivering a huge range of individual sports which, once again, are open to all ability levels from beginner to elite. As one of only nine Pentathlon Academies nationwide, our pupils compete at national and international level, with an array of European and World Champions amongst their ranks in biathle, triathle and laser-run. Early morning swimming training is a feature at the school, and the pool is available to all each lunchtime. Fencing, shooting and riding lessons are provided by specialist coaches.

try their hand at Zumba, kick boxing, Pilates, sailing, archery and golf, to name but a few. The Leweston Leisure programme, open to parents and local families, provides tai chi and HIIT classes, spinning, yoga and use of the school’s swimming pool and tennis courts. All of these activities enable participants to work with new people, to acquire new skills, to switch off from their other daily tasks and to unwind. Every summer the school holds an activities week with opportunities for pupils to harness up and challenge themselves with a tree-climbing option, using some of the famous cedars that adorn the grounds. The majority of pupils sign up to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which is offered up to Gold level with the inevitable hiking and expeditions that this involves. Healthy activity even plays a part in the school’s faith programme with staff and students taking part in walks during their annual retreats.

Running has been outstanding at Leweston for a number of years, with the school holding a vast range of local, regional and national titles. Crosscountry runs within the grounds and on surrounding footpaths are popular amongst both staff and pupils, with the Friday run having upwards of 45 pupils and 10 staff participating, almost a quarter of the senior school’s population. Leweston also currently boasts one of the strongest equestrian teams in the country, with almost 30 pupils regularly competing on the NSEA circuit and qualifying for prestigious events such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The school has taken the NSEA Regional Points League Title for four years in a row, last year with the most points of any school in the country. Beyond this, there is a huge breadth of opportunities available to pupils, staff, parents and the local community on a regular basis. The extra-curricular activities programme allows pupils to

In everything Leweston does there is a feel of ‘team’ and ‘community’, which is why #team has evolved as one of the most powerful messages that appears on the @lewestonsport Instagram page. Pupils’ achievements, both at elite and grassroots level, are celebrated equally and regular sports assemblies highlight the contributions that everyone has made within inter-school and inter-house competitions. Community service allows the pupils to become involved in wellbeing projects, both within and outside of school. Many organise or assist the physical activities

PHYSICAL EDUCATION MATTERS – SUMMER 2020

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