The return to school after the holidays was a chance to set new goals and look forward to the many challenges in the term ahead. We are now fully in our flow, re-establishing routines and expectations, ready to embrace new learning opportunities. 

Little Gymnasts, Big Achievements! 

In Pre-School and Reception, the children have been fully engaged in Gymnastic lessons and exploring fundamental movement skills. The pupils have embraced travelling safely, key shapes, responding to challenges and finding time to be creative, having fun. Some of the most enjoyable lessons have involved the children exploring equipment which develops their agility, balance and coordination. These activities have nurtured their curiosity and allowed for independence at a very early age. 

Building Skills, Teamwork and Confidence in Prep 1 & 2 

Prep 1 and 2 have been extremely active with combining both their Physical Education and Games lessons. A gymnastic focus has harnessed their creativity levels, through performing on the floor and using the apparatus. They are mastering their key shapes and beginning to explore more weight bearing actions. In Games, Netball has been the focus, learning what makes a good catch, what makes a good pass and how to travel as a team towards the scoring target. In addition, Prep 1 & 2 late games has been highly attended, where the children have enjoyed being active and playing games with their friends. 

A Strong Start to PE for Prep 3 – 6 Pupils! 

In Physical Education, all the Prep 3 – 6 pupils have engaged in both basketball and gymnastics. This has been an excellent foundation for their Late Games basketball sessions, as they can transfer their knowledge and skills on the courts. Prep 3 and Prep 4 pupils have consolidated their dribbling techniques and are now developing their decision-making skills in small sided games. Prep 5 and Prep 6 pupils have explored individual and collaborative defending, emphasising a retreat to defend as a unit. This creates many interception opportunities and a chance to exploit space for a fast break. 

Games Get Off to a Flying Start! – Cross Country, Hockey and Futsal in Prep 3 – 6  

The Prep 3 – 6 Games lessons started with their first cross country run of the year at Bruntwood park. Personal best times were set, and these will be an individual target to surpass during their second run - which will be their House cross country event. We also had a Pupil Choice week, where the children could select what activities they would like to participate in. The PE Department offered four activities for the children to choose from, they were Alaskan Baseball, Futsal, Powerball and Capture the Flag.  

The girls have been working hard on their Hockey skills and are building up to their House competitions. The Prep 3 and 4 girls have been focussing on their individual ball control and learning how to tackle safely. In Prep 5 the theme has been on attacking, especially trying to strike the ball on the move and at the top of the circle as well as to respond quickly to any rebounds. They have also been developing individual skills such as rolling out and using the reverse stick to effectively help them evade defenders. In Prep 6 they have been looking at taking the self-pass quickly and developing greater tactical awareness when awarded a sideline, free hit or long corner. Some of the girls have also been giving umpiring a try, displaying great collaboration skills.  

The Boys have immersed themselves in Futsal, particularly learning how to manipulate the ball effectively, developing skills to achieve success in a 1 v 1 situation. Prep 3 and Prep 4 have explored how to hide the ball from their opponents, looking at their body positions and how to be strong when shielding the ball. Prep 5 have explored how to score looking to place the ball into the corners of the goal. Prep 6 have performed a range of passing techniques, such as the short, driven, lofted and swerve pass. We will conclude our Futsal lessons with the House competitions. 

A Wealth of Sporting Fixture Opportunities This Term! 

Finally, we have had a range of fixtures, including: 

• The ISA North Swimming Gala (Prep 4, 5 & 6)
• Swimming Gala against Stockport Grammar School (Prep 5 & 6)
• Football matches against St Ambrose School (Prep 5 & 6 Boys) and Greenbank School (Prep 4, 5 & 6 Boys)
• Mixed Hockey (Prep 6) against a touring school from London
• UniHoc against Greenbank School (Prep 3 & 4 Girls)
• Internal fixtures: UniHoc (Prep 3 & Prep 4 Girls) and Basketball (Prep 3, 4, 5 & 6)

Fixture Spotlight: The ISA North Swimming Gala and National Finals 

This term has been an exciting one for our Lady Barn swimmers, as Mrs Clay took a team of 11 Prep 4–6 pupils to Macclesfield Leisure Centre to compete in the ISA Regional Swimming Competition. Our swimmers performed fantastically well, achieving several first, second and third-place finishes in their individual events. Throughout the day, they demonstrated determination, enthusiasm and excellent sportsmanship, while supporting and cheering one another on. 

The PE Department are incredibly proud of all our swimmers and delighted to announce that three pupils have qualified for the ISA National Finals, which will take place at the London Aquatics Centre in November. Congratulations to Torsten (5H), Bella (5H) and Alice (4H) on this fantastic achievement! We wish them the very best of luck as they represent Lady Barn on the national stage. 

Overall, a busy, enjoyable and action-packed start to the year, with lots more opportunities ahead. 

Mr Pietkiewicz 

Director of Sport 

Find Out More About Sport at Lady Barn