From the Head of PE and Sport 29.01.2022
Health and Safety in PE
I have often written about our current SOPs that we are currently following to safeguard children in light of Covid-19. However, I also want to send a reminder about other measures that can be taken to ensure your children stay safe in PE lessons and get the most enjoyment out of their lessons.
Sun Exposure
It is a requirement for ALL students in the school to wear a hat when outside, whether that be during break or play times, or during PE lessons. The KIS hat (which can be purchased from the uniform shop) is designed to provide protection to both the face and back of the neck with its wide brim. Please make sure that your child has their hat with their name clearly visible on it each and every day.
Hats are great, but do not offer full protection from the intensity of the sun’s UV rays. To increase sun protection, we recommend that students also apply sunscreen before being outside. Even in the early morning you can still feel the intensity of the sun’s rays on both clear and overcast days. If your child is in Primary, you can apply sunscreen before they leave the house to give them added protection on PE days. If your child is in secondary school and having lessons in the middle of the day and afternoon, it’s a great idea to send them to school with a small bottle of sunscreen that they can apply at break or lunch before their lessons.
Rehydration
Even during low intensity exercise our bodies sweat to try and cool ourselves down when we are running around and being active. In hot climates like Sabah, we can lose water from our bodies even quicker and so it is imperative that students are drinking regularly. Students receive frequent water breaks during lessons to make sure they are replacing water lost. Dehydration can cause students to become tired and lose concentration, which can also then lead to a greater risk of accidents and injuries that we always want to avoid. So be sure to have a full water bottle with you at every PE lesson and take regular sips during the lesson.
Appropriate footwear
Students should be wearing suitable sports footwear in order to safely participate in PE lessons. Shoes should have good ankle support to prevent rolling the ankle and also grip on the bottom to reduce the chance of slipping or sliding when running. Casual shoes such as converse or vans are not suitable for being active as they increase the chance of injuries occurring.
General fitness levels
We have commented often about the difficulties we have all faced in finding ways to keep active during long lockdowns. Since returning to school, we have seen first hand in PE some of the effects of this enforced sedentary lifestyles in many students. While we have been incredibly impressed with our students’ enthusiasm to be back outside running around and being active, we have also noticed how quickly they can tire. The World Health Organisation recommends that children aged 5-17 years should do at least an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, mostly aerobic, physical activity, across the week.
Increasing physical activity and raising general fitness levels will mean students can get even more out of their PE lessons. Fatigue and tiredness is also a major contributing factor in injuries, as as we get tired we lose focus and can more easily make mistakes or perform poor technique leading to accidents and getting hurt.
In addition to the well known physical health benefits there are numerous mental health benefits to children as well, not least of all improved concentration in school, increased confidence and self-esteem, as well as helping to reduce stress and anxiety, a big reason to keep making time during exam preparations for our older students.
So remember, to get the most enjoyment out of your PE lessons and to ensure you stay safe, make sure you follow these guidelines:
Dress for success – no hat, no play, NO FUN!
Keep drinking, to keep energised AND keep ENJOYING!
Aim to be active for at least 60 mins every day, not just on PE days!
Have a wonderful half-term holiday and Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Miss Catriona Watt
Head of PE and Sport
