Sports - what should I do?

[Pippin]

OK, so this involves my 2 NT (alledgedly!) girls but you lot are so good at knowing what to do that I thought I'd try here.

 

 

Now, If a child is not naturally good at, say, Maths or reading, it's not normal policy to shout at them, humiliate them in front of their classmates and tell them it's their own fault they're no good and they'll only improve by practicing, is it?. Of course, this practice must take place with the best other children in the class...and be the same standard work the cleverer ones are doing. No, they get help with others of the same ability.

 

 

So WHY do they insist on doing it in sport??? My girls are not unfit, not overweight and eat healthily....but they're ###### at running, and other sports too. They dont breathe correctly and get stitches. They are active girls and do modern dance twice a week so they're NOT unfit. I wouldnt want to label them dyspraxic, but they're not far off. The teacher makes them run with the first cross country team and yells at them that they're "not fit" when they get in trouble. ...and this is primary school, by the way. They're getting to hate sport....which I really dont want to happen. This teacher is absolutely adamant that they need to be doing this, and doing it her way. She refuses to teach any form of breathing control....she says it will come naturally as they "get more fit".

 

I suspect she's just relishing the chance to have a go at them as they always come top in anything accademic and she doesn't like bright kids, but how can we stop her??

[Karen A]

Hi.It is sad when teachers use strategies which will put children off exercise in the long term rather than promoting activity

The school may well have a sports coordinator and [if it is not the same person as the class teacher] you could have a chat and explain your concerns.

As exercise in school is a current government interest you could also ask how the school feel they are promoting it.

Even active children are not all interested in the same things and cross country is hardly an exciting option for primary age children.Karen.

[Pippin]

"cross country is hardly an exciting option for primary age children"

 

You're so right Karen. It just happens to be the personal interest of this particular teacher (who is brilliant otherwise, incidentally - apart from preferring non-clever kids). Her son runs for the county and she just loves the sport. The school seem to be so disorganised on the sporting front. There is no "policy" to speak of. They just seem to have a go at anything they can find a volunteer for.

 

We've got Parents evening in a couple of weeks so I think I might save it up for that.

[Karen A]

"cross country is hardly an exciting option for primary age children"

 

You're so right Karen. It just happens to be the personal interest of this particular teacher (who is brilliant otherwise, incidentally - apart from preferring non-clever kids). Her son runs for the county and she just loves the sport. The school seem to be so disorganised on the sporting front. There is no "policy" to speak of. They just seem to have a go at anything they can find a volunteer for.

 

We've got Parents evening in a couple of weeks so I think I might save it up for that.

 

 

I have known parents to pressure their own children with the sport that was their passion.But expecting other people's children to become cross country enthusiasts is a little obsessive me thinks. Karen.

[Bard]

I will always treasure the memory of teaching cross country to a Y3 class.

Mumble knows how athletic I am.

One child, circling the field, did half a lap running, and the second section as a Cyberman.

When other Dr Who enthusiasts spotted him, some joined him, others became the Scarecrow figures from one episode. They thought I couldn't see, because they were so far away.

I was unable to see them clearly because of the tears.

I figured that they were exercising and using their imaginations as well. No doubt, at some later date, they will be in trouble, and it will be my fault.

I can't think of a PE teacher from my past that I liked or respected. Most seemed to need to dominate and humiliate. In some schools, it really hasn't changed and that is just plain wrong.

 

My NT daughter is doing 5 A levels. Left in Y11 with Level 4 for PE/Games.

Edited October 23, 2007 by Bard

[lorryw]

Cross country in primary??? I thought the days of the bullying PE teacher were long gone, obviously not.

I have great sympathy for children who find sport a real turn off. You just know that the little lad or lass or continuously "forget" kit just dont want to do it. Usually we can find some activity they can succeed at and build on that.

She sounds like a bully, corner her at parents evening, bat your eyelids sweetly and ask if school has an anti bullying policy.

[Bard]

Cross country in primary??? I thought the days of the bullying PE teacher were long gone, obviously not.

 

Think of it more as long-distance running, and we have a large and enthusiastic group who do it as an after-school activity in addition to in class time. For some, it is a wonderful and enjoyable activity that requires little co-ordination and a great deal of stamina.

I'm not against it in Primary at all, but I disapprove of humiliating and mocking those for whom it is not a strength.

[Mumble]

Mumble knows how athletic I am.

Indeed. You moved pretty damn fast when the giant vicious wolf thought Mumble Burgers for Luncheon would be rather tasty.

 

Sorry I have no advice. P.E./Games was absolute hell at school and I still remember it vividly now. It doesn't of course help that I have every aspect gleefully recounted in great detail in my school reports - it seems the teachers thought on the field torture was not enough.

 

I did however find my forte in secondary school sports - I was excellent at goal keeper in Lacrosse. The other girls hated me and so used to aim at me for fun (which as never stopped by the teachers). It did mean that the balls richoched off me rather than into the goal meaning I was actually quite successful.

[pearl]

I too find it amazing that this still goes on. I was academic at school, but pretty much despised as I was hopeless at hockey (winter) & tennis (summer) - the only two options available at my school. I was in the Rejects hockey team for 5 years (left back)

 

Horrible memories of skinning my knees on churned up mud frozen into points whilst the teachers were wearing duffel coats.

 

I'd definitely complain, as others have said it can have long term effects on one's attitude to exercise, I am living proof of that.

 

I did have a brief success in 6th form when I discovered badminton - the point being, I think, that PE was no longer compulsory & I could choose my activity.

[Pippin]

"I was excellent at goal keeper in Lacrosse"

 

Now THAT'S a dangerous place to be Mumble!! I was fine in Lacrosse until a ball came anywhere near me....after that I was usually in the medical centre covered in blood.

 

I wimped out at Parent's evening as the teacher was so sweet about both the girls and I didnt want to burst the bubble. I'll go in after half term and take it up with the HT.

[Clare63]

Pippin,

This is a subject very close to my heart, my DS dx AS finds PE so difficult and everything else that comes with it, ie changing room, team sports not getting picked, teachers shouting at the kids etc.

What I can't understand is that children are streamed for other subjects, yet PE they are lumped together. We are supposed to be promoting exercise as part of a healthy life style but all I can see is that schools are instilling fear and through lack of encouragement and appropriate motivation actually steering these kids away from sports and exercise into a life time of hatred for sport.

I would be certianly talking ton your school asking them what they expect to achieve by bullying and ridiculing your girls whilst they do their best to try and exercise.

Clare x x x

[Canopus]

What I can't understand is that children are streamed for other subjects, yet PE they are lumped together. We are supposed to be promoting exercise as part of a healthy life style but all I can see is that schools are instilling fear and through lack of encouragement and appropriate motivation actually steering these kids away from sports and exercise into a life time of hatred for sport.

 

It's all silly outdated tradition dating back to the Victorian days.

[Clare63]

It's all silly outdated tradition dating back to the Victorian days.

 

 

Yes, but what can we do about it ??? all suggestions welcome, I am ready to stand up and be counted !!!!

[MichelleW]

It's strange. but we were discussing PE teachers at work the other day! One colleague said " If you forget your pencil, How many maths or english teachers make you do your work in your underwear in front of the whole class?" The majority of us only have bad recollections of PE/sports.

Edited October 28, 2007 by MichelleW

[Stella63]

Hi there!

 

Had to get involved here as is very relevant to OJ. Having just managed half a term now at srcondary school, the one subject that is standing out as a problem is PE. The staff know that he hasn't done PE FOR 2 YEARS,they know that he gets very anxious at the thought of having to get dressed and undresses quickly, he is very conscious that he is over weight and although he desperately wants to get involved he has no self esteem or confidence in the subject whether it is rugby, swimming, gym or whatever an, guess what, they have a zero tolerance on him and those like him!!! It makes me furious because I know all the staff and have explained his situation and it seems to make no difference to how they treat him. I have a form tutors meeting tomorrow evening who is one his PE teachers and I am going to let rip!!!

 

Will let you know how I get on but....... don't hold your breath!!!

 

Stella xx

[Bard]

 

The lovely boy who lives opposite us who is fanatical about motorbikes and rugby failed most of his GCSEs.

He's retaking maths and English because he wants to be a PE teacher and specialise in Rugby.

None of his educational advisors think that this is an unrealistic career, because he's so good at sport. So of course, he'd be a good teacher.

He's good at shouting already. Brace yourselves, he's on his way...

[Canopus]

Yes, but what can we do about it ??? all suggestions welcome, I am ready to stand up and be counted !!!!

 

The simple answer is not a lot. As the mainstream HE community already knows, the state school system is next to impossible to reform from within. Teachers, governors, and parents have virtually no say over the school curriculum. However, PE is less well regulated by Whitehall than other subjects so there is plenty of flexibility for schools to still teach what they like during PE lessons. There is actually no requirement under the NC that PE lessons are based around team sports or competitive activities and not many teachers seem to know this. Other teachers like to teach what they happen to enjoy - rugby or cross country in some cases.

 

I suppose if you can get enough parents together then it is possible to nag the school to adapt PE lessons to the requirements of kids rather than desires of teachers.

[Clare63]

Thanks Canopus.... think I'll write to someone, just not sure who yet, wish me luck with my quest looks like I am gonna need it !

 

Clare x x x

[Karen A]

Thanks Canopus.... think I'll write to someone, just not sure who yet, wish me luck with my quest looks like I am gonna need it !

 

Clare x x x

 

 

If you are wondering who to write to you could try the Chair of Governors or if you know them then one of the parent governors.Also the PTA may be interested.Karen.

[Canopus]

Thanks Canopus.... think I'll write to someone, just not sure who yet, wish me luck with my quest looks like I am gonna need it !

 

Clare x x x

 

Unless you can get together an angry mob of hundreds of parents demanding change, then chances are that the school will brush things off as eccentric grumbling. After all, the majority of lads would prefer to play football rather than do 200 pressups in a PE lessons.

 

Word has it that the lack of regulation (compared to other subjects) of PE lessons will come to an end in the near future. The control freaks of our Orwellian government are planning to impose more team sports on kids in PE lessons as part of the quest to crack down on yob culture in their urban heartlands.

[Bard]

The control freaks of our Orwellian government are planning to impose more team sports on kids in PE lessons as part of the quest to crack down on yob culture in their urban heartlands.

 

So then we will have fitter, stronger yobs with increased stamina who are skilled in acting as a team?

 

Rent-a-riot, the newer, fitter, leaner mob. Less anarchy, more strategy.

Edited October 29, 2007 by Bard

[Canopus]

So then we will have fitter, stronger yobs with increased stamina who are skilled in acting as a team?

 

Rent-a-riot, the newer, fitter, leaner mob. Less anarchy, more strategy.

 

Exactly. Authoritarian governments need lots of heavy handed people to do their dirty work. Even the biggest prat on the streets knows fully well that this government strategy is 100% political and has nothing to do with clamping down on the yob culture which blights this nation.

[DaisyProudfoot]

PE teachers - never understood them. When we did cross country running (around the streets around the school) I used to go to my boyfriend's friends mums house and stay there having a cuppa then jog into school at the end of the group.

 

I used to take a bicycle pump to recorder lessons too.

[pearl]

I used to take a bicycle pump to recorder lessons too.

 

Oh I love that! Bet it sounded just as good.