PHYSICAL EDUCATION

It would be true to say that PE is in the very lifeblood of Glendower! Pupils of all ages are transformed by the variety in the PE syllabus -into the most competent swimmers, skilful netball players, graceful gymnasts, and powerful athletes. Very few pupils leave Glendower without a high level of competency - and not to forget a competitive streak - in a specific area, or indeed areas of PE.

The aim of the department is to promote enjoyment in PE by encouraging the girls to be both active and interactive and to perform to the best of their ability whether they are members of the school team or not. PE offers many opportunities for our pupils and not least of which is becoming a team member. This helps pupils to gain an understanding of responsibility, and the joy of achievement, which can be the rewards of working in a well structured and cohesive team.

For the most part the girls are taught by PE specialists and benefit from a very wide variety of activities and learning opportunities.

Gymnastics and Games are taught from Reception through to Year 6. Swimming starts in Year 2 and is taught once weekly through to Year 6. No one leaves Glendower unable to swim, and indeed in Year 4 when the girls take part in a sponsored swim for charity most of the girls swim 32 lengths and more in their period of swimming. This can prove costly to parents who have not been keeping watch on their daughters' progress but raises a great deal of money for charity!

In games, the children participate in netball in the autumn and spring terms and tennis in the summer term. The Glendower U11 netball team won IAPS National Netball Tournament this year for the fifth time thus proving that even without on site facilities the girls manage to reach the highest standards needed to win such a prestigious award.

In Key Stage 1 games activities, the girls are given the opportunity to devise their own small sided invasion and target games. Some of the activities enjoyed by Year 2 include swimming, gymnastics, unihoc, short tennis and athletics.

Swimming has always played an important role in the school and our swimming teams have won the IAPS National Swimming Championships at the U10 and U11 age group on numerous occasions. As with netball, the girls compete against other schools on a regular basis throughout the year in local tournaments and swimming galas.

Athletics is taught at Key Stage 2 in the summer term and all of the pupils at Glendower participate in and enjoy a traditional Sports Day at the end of the summer term.

We are fortunate in having the use of St Augustine's church hall for our indoor sports and drama activities. The girls swim at nearby Imperial College and Fulham Pools and play netball at Battersea Park and Westway. Tennis is played in Hyde Park and Battersea Park.