A lot of time is allocated to the Games Programme in most schools. Routinely more than is devoted to Maths or English; sometimes more than both combined. Recent research shows that there is little pressure to reduce this time.
So, there should be time to deliver a range of desirable outcomes. As participation in the Games Programme is usually compulsory, it would be reasonable to assume that some or all of the benefits are universally available to all pupils, regardless of physical ability. Otherwise, only the most able would take part.
So, what is the Games Programme meant to do? What experiences should it provide? Here are some possibilities:
- The joy of movement
- Teamwork
- Opportunity to succeed
- Chance to cope with disappointment
- Opportunity to develop resilience
- A sense of personal satisfaction
- Learn and apply courage and determination
- Appreciate the value of delayed gratification
- Understand the benefit of physical fitness
- The joy of mastering a skill
- A high level of physical literacy
- Opportunity to experience victory and defeat
- The chance to take part in culturally significant games
- A minimum level of basic movement competence
- A range of individual sports and activities
- An understanding of the joy of challenge
- Appropriate competition
- The feeling of exhaustion
- Excitement
- The impact of coaching
- Sustained periods of physical endeavour
- Swimming
- Self reliance
- The encouragement of teachers and peers
- A boost in self esteem
- The fun of being with friends
- A chance to understand how others feel
- The joy of being physically fit
- Memorable moments of magic
- The enthusiastic support of parents and teachers
- Trying, failing and trying again
- The feeling of “flow”
What an industry leading programme that would be that could provide the opportunity for all children to experience all of the above!
