Sports and Outdoor Pursuits
Some schools have a real commitment to physical activities. Others have downplayed them because of pressure from the Literacy Hour, Maths Hour, and so on. Also, some schools believe that competitive sports go against their ethos, especially if it stresses co-operation and sharing.
You may disagree. In any case, participation in a physical activity outside school is good for your child's fitness, and can help to build self-discipline, initiative and problem solving activities.
Obviously, it's fairly easy to take a ball down to the local park for a kick around, or organise a game of cricket or rounders. But physical activities needn't stop there, and if you don't have the skills (or maybe the time - or energy!) to teach your child yourself, there's plenty of help around.
For instance, have you considered:
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Or any one of hundreds of other physical activities?
If you're trying to find a venue or classes for your child, your best bet is probably to start by contacting your local authority. Community centres, and even local arts centres, also sometimes give space to classes - particularly martial arts and yoga.
Useful Links
The UK Sports Council mostly concentrates on professional sports, but may have some useful links.
The English Sports Council links to the governing bodies for many sports, plus lots of other links.
Northern Ireland Sports Council
Scottish Sports Council website is currently under construction, but you can e-mail for more information.
Sports Council for Wales does not have a website, but you can write or phone:
- Welsh Sports Institute of Sport
- Sophia Gardens
- Cardiff CF1 9SW
- Tel: 01222 300500
- Fax: 01222 300600
- Sophia Gardens
If you have a daughter, The Women's Sports Foundation may be able to help.
Finally, if you want to check what qualifications a sports teacher or coach has, you could check out The National Coaching Foundation