Physical Literacy at its best – A Sports Day, like no other!

Last Friday, the Year 1 and 2 children came together on the DCS field to participate in their annual Sports Day, which was a little different this year. It was a day of laughter, teamwork, cooperation, and fun, which is not unusual, but the day had a very specific end in mind!

Those of you who have watched and read about the DCS PE programme will know that periodically, we deliberately shift from traditional sports event and curriculum models focused on physical ability that favour winners and losers, to a more current, thematic, and innovative programme that reinforces the three keys elements of Physical Literacy: confidence, competence, and understanding (cognition). 
 
At DCSPD, we play the ‘long game’, recognising that getting the conditions right at an early age will lead to a child’s lifelong commitment to being active. The children actively participate in activities, programmes, and events meticulously planned around their personal, physical, social, and cognitive needs. There is much current research and evidence to suggest that a child’s propensity for engaging in lifelong physical activity is pre-determined by a positive experience of ‘Play, PE and Participation’ as a young child. 

We know that by providing a good experience during this developmental stage, a child will not only be successful physically, but also emotionally and cognitively. Learning in PE and during events like Sports Day reflects the synergy between physical activity, exercise, and the ability to process, think critically, and focus. Put simply, the more our youngsters play and move, the more successful they will be as learners, and the more engaged they will be in daily life!
 
Sports Day was therefore a high energy event in which the children were exposed to increasing levels of fun, engagement, risk, challenge, and self-reliance, as well as opportunities to develop their cooperative skills. We saw resilience (kerplunk), risk-taking (the slack-lines), teamwork (Duck Escape), and many more examples of children practising their physical, emotional, and thinking skills. Children were able to move freely, play, and socialise with others. They had opportunities to express themselves and lead activities.The Year 9 Sports Leaders, teachers, and parents provided wonderful adult role modelling and support. 
 
The beauty of such an event as well is that the children (and parents) are so busy having fun, they are blissfully unaware of the skills they are developing! Trophies become less important as teamwork takes centre-stage!
 
Well done to all the children and parents who participated so enthusiastically in our Sports Day. It was a pleasure to watch the children, who simply loved the fun, freedom, friendship, and fresh air! 

Ms Rachel Crossland

Head of Primary PE

素质教育迎来高潮——不同凡响的德威运动会

上周五，1、2年级的孩子们聚集到上海德威学校的操场上，共同参加一年一度的运动会。不过今年的活动有一点不同！这是充满欢乐的一天，我们看到同学们展现出绝佳的团队精神、合作意识，尽享比赛乐趣。不过这些都还不是最特别的，关键是运动会的收尾部分让所有人难忘！
熟悉德威体育项目的人都知道，我们会定期有意识地改变教学模式，从传统的以输赢为标准的体育比赛和课程模式，切换至更新潮、更主题化、更创新的项目上来，关注学生的身体素质，巩固和强化3项关键的体育素养：自信、能力与理解（认知）。
在上海浦东德威学校，我们注重的是学生的长期发展。我们认识到，早教阶段如果能为儿童创造良好的学习环境，将有利于他们在今后的人生中表现积极。孩子们主动参与到众多活动和比赛中，这些都是根据他们的个性、身体、社交和认知需求而量身打造的。当前，有很多研究和证据表明，一个孩子是否终身热衷于参加体育活动，这种倾向早在其孩童阶段就已成型，其中的关键在于由“游戏、体育、参与”三项要素构成的积极体验。我们知道，如果能在这个发展阶段制造积极良好的体验，那么将不只对孩子的身体发育带来助益，还能使他们的情感和认知水平突飞猛进。体育课上的学习和运动会等活动的参与经历体现了体育活动、身体锻炼与问题处理、批判思维和精神集中力间的协同性。简而言之，孩子们动得越多，就越有可能在学习上取得成功，在日常生活中也会变得越积极！

因此，运动会是一项高能量活动，孩子们能够从中获得无穷的乐趣；他们参与热情高涨，面对挑战，勇于冒险；独立自主，但又乐于合作。我们见证了孩子们所体现出的韧性、冒险精神、团队合作，也看着他们努力培养自己的身体素养、心理素质和思考能力。他们自由地四处奔跑，嬉戏玩耍，相互交流；也有机会表达自己的想法，在各项活动中担任领袖。9年级体育组组长、教师和家长们借此机会，很好地为学生们树立了榜样，并且提供支持。这个活动的亮点在于，孩子（和家长）们沉浸于欢乐之中，在不知不觉中培养了各项技能！奖杯什么的已经不重要了，团队合作才是主角！
在此，我们想为所有积极参与这次活动的学生（和家长）们点赞。很高兴看到大家在活动中尽享欢乐、自由、友谊和新鲜空气！
Ms Rachel Crossland体育组长

Admissions Contact / 招生办联系方式

(8621) 3896 1200

[e-mail]

Visit our website / 访问学校网站

shanghai-pudong.dulwich.org

View the virtual experience / 虚拟校园

www.youvisit.com/tour/dulwich?pl=v