Murrays Bay School has an emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle; all children, at all year groups participate in 15 minutes of daily activity as part of their fitness programme. Activities include aerobics, skipping, relays, climbing, modified games and other aerobic and anaerobic exercises. In addition to this, children have health and physical education and physical activity lessons, which vary in length between 1 and a half and 2 hours a week, depending on the needs of the children. While some lessons are skill based, others are more instructional, looking to improve the skill base of all children. Activity lessons look to develop a team orientated awareness.

The school employs a part time sports assistant who works closely with teachers at all levels. Children with exceptional sporting abilities are extended on a more personal level and those children requiring extra support have the same opportunities in place.

At lunchtimes a structured ‘sport for all’ plan is put into action with different year groups being catered for on different days of the week. The sports assistant aids the smooth running of this. Each half term has a different sporting focus, the idea being to expose children to a range of pursuits. In addition to this, team practices also take place on selected days. Inter-house competitions also take place throughout the year; every child has the opportunity of representing their house and contributing to their overall cup success.

We provide the opportunity for all children to be involved in representing the school if they so wish. While teams are generally formed according to ability, the level of interest shown will determine the amount of teams created in each year group; the netball league sees teams as young as Year 1 & 2 competing!  Coaches and managers are made up of teachers and parents, along with past pupils!

Team pursuits that the school provides include:

Tackle Rugby, Rippa Rugby, Touch Rugby, Soccer, Netball, Flippa Ball, Miniball, Basketball, Swimming, Hockey, Cricket, Athletics, Cross-Country and Badminton

While some sports operate within a league, others are organised as ‘cluster’ events where schools within the Mid Bays region compete against one another. Competition and fair play are encouraged.

WATERWISE & SWIMSAFE PROGRAMMES

These are two programmes that are given a high priority in our school.  As a marine suburb it is important to promote water safety and provide opportunities for children to develop confidence and skills with the natural resources of their local environment.  The Swimsafe programme operates at Y1-3 class levels.

In partnership with the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health we will be offering swimming tuition during the week from 1pm to 6pm.

The Waterwise programme will challenge our Year 5 and 6 pupils with new and exciting activities based at our school and at Murrays Bay Beach.