Junior School Sports
Developing Fundamental Skills
At St Chris, we believe that physical education is about far more than developing athletic skill — it’s about confidence, teamwork, self-expression, and joy in movement. From Year 1 onwards, our PE and Games lessons nurture a lifelong love of being active, supporting each child’s physical, social, and emotional growth.
Diverse Sporting Activities
From Nursery to Year 6, all pupils take part in weekly PE lessons and swimming sessions, taught by specialist staff who bring energy, expertise, and encouragement to every class. From Year 3, students participate in weekly Games lessons.
Our PE and Games curriculum is as varied as our pupils’ interests, offering something for everyone — from those discovering their coordination to those already honing their competitive edge. Activities include:
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Fundamental skills development
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Athletics
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Badminton
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Basketball
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Creative Dance and Dance
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Football
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Gymnastics
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Netball
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Rugby
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Rounders
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Swimming
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Tennis
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Yoga
Our Sports Curriculum
| Year 1 |
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In Year 1, students begin building their fundamental movement skills through a range of engaging and creative activities, including fitness, yoga, creative dance, gymnastics, and mini athletics. They explore basic running, jumping, and throwing, while learning to move their bodies with control and awareness. Students are encouraged to express feelings, moods, and ideas through movement and music, and to explore shapes and balances both on the floor and on apparatus. |
| Year 2 |
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Year 2 students continue to strengthen their coordination and confidence through fitness, yoga, creative dance, gymnastics, and mini athletics. Lessons encourage students to develop their individual skills while learning to work together in cooperative play. They refine core movements such as running, stopping, jumping, chasing, dodging, and skipping, and are introduced to the idea of expressing themselves through movement and rhythm. |
| Year 3 |
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In Year 3, students expand their skills through fitness, outdoor and adventurous activities, creative dance, gymnastics, tennis, and athletics. These sessions are complemented by after-school practices and the opportunity to take part in competitive fixtures, helping pupils to apply what they learn in real game situations. The Games curriculum includes football and netball in the Autumn Term, rugby and hockey in the Spring Term, and cricket and rounders in the Summer Term. Students develop fluency and accuracy in gameplay, learning how to attack and defend as a team, use a range of throwing and catching techniques, and make quick tactical decisions. |
| Year 4 |
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Building on earlier skills, Year 4 pupils take part in fitness, outdoor and adventurous activities, creative dance, gymnastics, tennis, and athletics. The focus remains on developing balance, coordination, and confidence, both as individuals and as team players. The Games programme follows a seasonal structure of football and netball (Autumn), rugby and hockey (Spring), and cricket and rounders (Summer). Students refine attacking and defending tactics, learn to maintain possession, and focus on sending, receiving, striking, and travelling with the ball. They are encouraged to make thoughtful decisions during gameplay and to demonstrate fair play and enjoyment at all times. |
| Year 5 |
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In Year 5, students further enhance their skills through fitness, outdoor and adventurous activities, creative dance, gymnastics, tennis, and athletics. PE lessons are supported by after-school clubs and opportunities for competitive play, encouraging pupils to challenge themselves and to take pride in their progress. The Games programme continues with football and netball (Autumn), rugby and hockey (Spring), and cricket and rounders (Summer). Students learn to use strategies to outwit opponents, apply skills with control and accuracy, and make informed decisions in competitive and small-sided games. They also develop an understanding of how exercise benefits their bodies, alongside an appreciation for fair play, teamwork, and enjoyment. |
| Year 6 |
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In their final year of the Junior School, students participate in a broad programme including fitness, outdoor and adventurous activities, creative dance, gymnastics, tennis, and athletics. Lessons aim to consolidate skills, build confidence, and prepare pupils for the transition to Senior School sport. Year 6 students enjoy a full Games curriculum featuring football and netball (Autumn), rugby and hockey (Spring), and cricket and rounders (Summer). They are encouraged to think tactically, apply strategies in both attack and defence, and plan effectively during games. A strong emphasis is placed on sportsmanship, teamwork, and the enjoyment of physical activity — key values that underpin sport at St Chris. |
Opportunities for Every Child
We believe every student should have the chance to find a sport they love. Our PE lessons are designed to develop physical confidence, coordination, and a sense of achievement, while fostering an understanding of fitness and wellbeing.
Students regularly represent St Chris in fixtures against local primary and prep schools, including football, netball, touch and tag rugby, rounders, and swimming. These events are as much about teamwork and fair play as they are about competition, helping pupils to build character and community spirit.
Our swimming lessons take place in our on-site 25-metre heated indoor pool. Led by experienced and qualified teachers, sessions move from building water confidence and enjoyment to developing strokes, speed, and endurance. We are proud of our strong heritage in ensuring every student learns to swim — both for safety and for the lifelong pleasure that swimming can bring.
Excellent Sport Facilities
Our Junior and Senior Schools share excellent sporting facilities, giving every student access to a professional and inspiring environment in which to play and learn. Facilities include:
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Grass pitches for football, cricket, rugby, athletics, and rounders
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Astro-turf pitches for hockey, netball, and tennis
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A large indoor sports hall for basketball, badminton, table tennis, and wet-weather PE
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A 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool on-site
Sport Fixtures and Team Spirit
Sport is an integral part of life at St Chris. Throughout the year, our Junior School students take part in fixtures against other schools, developing sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience along the way.
Autumn and spring terms feature football and netball fixtures, while the summer term brings rounders and cricket matches. Students also have the opportunity to participate in swimming galas against local and national schools, wonderful occasions that celebrate skill, effort, and team spirit.
At St Chris, we see sport as a powerful way to nurture essential life skills: leadership, perseverance, and respect. Our broad programme helps every student discover their potential — both on and off the field.
After-School Sports Clubs
Beyond the school day, students can take part in after-school sports clubs led by specialist coaches and teachers. These sessions give students the chance to develop specific skills, explore new sports, and enjoy time with peers who share their interests.
Our clubs also offer families flexibility, while ensuring students benefit from focused coaching in a friendly, encouraging setting. The emphasis is always on enjoyment, inclusion, and improvement..
