Our PE team selection policy throughout the school is to encourage children to enjoy all aspects of PE whether it is competitive, creative or individual. This then helps them to play or participate throughout their lives, which has many benefits both health wise and socially.

Matches are usually played on pupils’ Games afternoons (Years 3-8 on Wednesdays, Years 9-10 on Thursdays and Years 11-13 on Tuesdays). Those not in matches are involved in activities. We play competitive matches at all levels and have five-year groups that regularly represent the school. We would like nothing more than to include every child in matches every week but this is impossible. We try to ensure that, in a season, everyone has played in at least one match. We do choose what we consider to be our best teams for “first team fixtures”.

We maintain it would be unfair on those who excel at sport not to be included and unfair to select those who are not yet strong enough to play at that level.

No team is fixed, and through experience we know that different children develop at different rates. At Year 4 level, whilst many have excellent ball skills, their understanding of the game differs. We realise how disappointing it is not to be chosen for a match, which is why we do arrange ‘B’ team fixtures and also play schools whose teams are not usually as strong as ours. In this way, we try to include everyone. Our policy, however, is to play the appropriate team for that particular match and not let the children take it in turns; this leads to mediocrity.

To differentiate the more able pupils will be encouraged to participate and selected for older age groups if the opportunity presents itself.

Selection is based on:

Conduct on home and away fixtures

Attitude in lessons

Aptitude and skills demonstrated

Understanding of the game and tactical play

Performances and effort in lessons and practices

Commitment to practices and training

General level of fitness

Manner in which you present yourself – dress, jewellery, manners, helpfulness, sportsmanship, etc.

Enthusiasm to learn and improve one’s game

We are convinced that our policy is a good one and would hope that you would support us in this. If your child is not chosen, encourage them to come and practise, enjoy what they do play and never give up. If your child is regularly chosen, help them to understand it is a privilege to represent this school.

We are aware that we cannot please everyone but hope you understand our views and support the school’s policy.