Physical Education
In Early Years P.E. is cross-curricular and taught in a variety of ways. We encourage outdoor play throughout the day. We also have different activities to improve fine motor and strengthen hand muscles to help with holding a pencil and writing. We believe children should have a range of activities starting from Early Years leading into KS1. It is important to develop fine and gross motor skills. This is provided through regular and stimulating physical activity which can teach self-discipline. It can also facilitate the development of student responsibility for health and fitness, leadership and cooperation with others.
We also provide a range of extra-curriculum activities in and after school. This includes, Zumba, dodgeball, dance, football and multi-skills. Dorothy Barley Infants’ are also taking part in the Dance Associations’ 1 day, 1 dance, 1000 dancers in Barking and Dagenham. 20 children are learning a routine which will then be performed with other schools in the borough.
Change 4 Life
Would you or your family like to be healthier and happier? Would you like loads of ideas, recipes and games to help you do this? Then you already know why you should join Change4Life. For further information please visit the Change 4 life website.
The Daily Mile
At Dorothy Barley Infant School our children complete a ‘Daily Mile’. HM Government’s ‘Childhood Obesity: A Plan For Action’ states that schools should deliver 30 minutes of ‘moderate to vigorous’ exercise for pupils (outside of normal PE lessons) every day. One of the most effective initiatives being used by schools to help achieve this is the daily mile. The daily mile works because of its simplicity: Children run, jog (or walk at first) for 15 minutes each day. No kit is required – the children go out in their school clothes. Trainers are ideal but not essential. Weather is not a barrier – Jackets on in the cold and damp; sweatshirt off if it’s warm! It’s not competitive – It’s both social and fun. Schools who have been implementing the daily mile for several months report that they have seen great improvements in pupils’ fitness levels as well as significant social and emotional benefits.
