The Edinburgh Academy Junior School

Healthy minds in healthy bodies

Games and exercise form an important part of the Academy curriculum. Notwithstanding a long and well-established tradition of success in the main sports, there are opportunities for children of all abilities to take part and a rich variety from which to choose, both team games and individual pursuits.

With the Edinburgh Academy Sports Centre on our campus and the magnificent playing fields, children can be playing sport within minutes of leaving the classroom. No time is wasted in an action packed day - which is the norm at The Edinburgh Academy Junior School!

PE Department aims:

To provide a broad, balanced curriculum based on National Curriculum 5-14 guidelines in which pupils experience a purposeful, satisfying and enjoyable range of physical activities.

To ensure that all pupils have opportunities to develop a variety of basic skills in games, gymnastics, athletics, swimming, dance and outdoor education.

To ensure that all pupils reach their full potential by utilising a range of teaching and learning styles.

To develop physical, intellectual, emotional and social awareness whilst engaging in the challenges of PE.

To provide opportunities for pupils to investigate and develop fitness, use their body in a variety of contexts, apply skills in more complex situations, create and design sequences of movement, compete and co-operate within games and practices and evaluate performances by observing and describing.

The Curriculum

PE

All pupils will receive a six to eight week block of activity centred on the 5-14 National Curriculum. Every pupil will learn the fundamental core skills necessary to participate in PE and sport in a fun and stimulating environment. Opportunities are created for all pupils to reach their full physical potential and to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the basic techniques.

Games

Every pupil will be able to participate in a wide range of sports, both team games and individual pursuits. There are regular Saturday fixtures against other schools in Scotland and England. The aim is to improve pupils’ skills, knowledge and understanding, tactical awareness and fitness.

The Junior School has a well-established and impressive reputation for producing highly organised and talented teams. The coaching is of a very high standard and all children will have the opportunity of representing the school at some time in their career. Our expert coaches work hard to ensure all pupils gain maximum enjoyment as an individual and learn responsibility and co-operation as a team member. The combination has proven successful over the years where Academy pupils have gone on to represent their country at senior level.

Currently, competitive opportunities exist in Rugby, Cricket, Swimming, Hockey, Athletics, Judo, Football, Basketball, Squash, Cross-Country, Golf and Skiing. Other areas are being developed through our excellent after-schools programme run by the Academy Sports Centre staff.