Children and staff at Firbeck Academy in Wollaton have always enjoyed the wide-ranging sporting activities on offer at the school. So, when the ‘Stand Up Notts’ Campaign asked that schools focus on increased physical activity during the school day, Firbeck Academy was up for the challenge!
The ‘Stand Up Notts’ campaign organised by Active Notts and the School Games Organiser network, held its flagship event on 25th September, but asked that schools continue to embrace an active school ethos beyond that day, ensuring the physical health and fitness of the school community.
Deputy Head Teacher at Firbeck Academy, Sem Cao said, “Within our curriculum we make ample room for the physical and mental health and wellbeing of both our pupils and staff. The ‘Stand Up Notts’ campaign asked that schools concentrate on creating opportunities to be active, and this is something that dovetails perfectly with our ethos at Firbeck Academy.”
Sem says that children have a varied sports programme including yoga, basketball, multi-skills, cricket, hockey, tennis, rounders, gymnastics, cross-country running, football, dance, Tag Rugby, orienteering, athletics, dodgeball and swimming!
“We have a large variety of sports on offer for pupils,” said Sem, “but we also like to make sure our adults don’t miss out and we have regular activities catering for them too. A particularly popular class at the academy is a twice weekly Staff Yoga class which helps to support the health and wellbeing of our team.”
Teacher Mr David Edwards said, “We know that exercise is good for physical health, and that it supports the focus and learning of school children. It also has a positive impact on behaviour and mood. As a school we are particularly mindful of how important these benefits are as we have faced so many changes and challenges in recent times.
“In the same way, we know that staff benefit from the activities we organise, and are able to practise mindfulness, and stay healthy so that they are fit and ready to teach our lovely children each day!”
