Physical Education
Physical Education is an integral part of the education process and this is especially true at Belmont House.
The Physical Education Department aims are:
- To provide a diverse but balanced programme, which educates the child in a wide range of purposeful, meaningful and enjoyable activities
- To develop physical skill, knowledge and understanding, in order that it be applied appropriately in a variety of contexts
- To stimulate a positive attitude to sport, health and fitness which will continue into adult life
- To develop confidence, co-operation and a healthy competitive spirit, by meeting challenges and solving problems
- T0 increase awareness of one's own, as well as others' ability and limitations
- To heighten awareness of safety procedures necessary to ensure a safe working environment.
From Junior 2 to Senior 6 two specialist Physical Education teachers deliver the Physical Education Programme with the help of one other part-time teacher. The class teachers at Junior 1 and Nursery level deliver Physical Education to their own classes.
At Belmont House the Physical Education Programme consists of:
Gymnastics, Movement, Dance & Trampolining
The focus of attention being the body; requiring control, co-ordination, balance, flow, creativity and versatility in increasingly challenging situations, which develop and sustain strength and flexibility.
Games
Both Individual and Team, provide students with experience of competitive and co-operative situations where it is necessary to apply their skills, tactics and strategies to outwit and out manoeuvre their opponents.
Swimming
Swimming not only provides one of the best forms of all round exercise but is also an essential survival skill which is vital for taking part in a wide range of activities in and around water. It is crucial that all children learn to swim and have confidence in water. The Belmont House Swimming Program starts in Junior 2 and continues through into the early years of the Senior School.
Athletics
Athletics builds on the child's natural ability to run, jump and throw. It encourages physical development, speed, strength, stamina and suppleness. Students endeavour to improve their performance against measurements and/or other as well as having the opportunity to pursue personal excellence.
Fitness Testing
Students are measured in areas of Health Related Fitness - Aerobic Endurance, Muscular, Flexibility and Strength - all of which enable them to carry out every day tasks with ease whilst reducing the risk of, often fatal disease. The focus is primarily diagnostic. Students are given the necessary information to enable them to improve their performance on the tests as well as a basic knowledge of the effects of exercise on the body.
Outdoor Education
Although not directly taught as part of the Physical Education Programme, Junior 5 and Junior 6 bi-annually visit Lagganlia Outdoor Centre for a week. The wide variety of activities undertaken there provide these young students not only with the essential element of adventure but an opportunity to apply their skills in a challenging, stimulating, fulfilling but safe environment. Their physical competence, fitness and application of knowledge are stretched in such a way that complements the broader programme of Physical Education at Belmont House.
The school also offers the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and regular Snowsports Trips are undertaken to the USA, Scottish Highlands and local Ski Centres.
The major competitive sports at Belmont House are Rugby and Netball. Sporting Teams also compete regularly with other schools at Volleyball, Cricket, Athletics, Tennis and Skiing. There are also after school clubs offering Badminton, Basketball, Trampolining, Judo, Fencing and Running.
Formal Study of Physical Education is possible. Practical activities and their related academic elements are studied in order to produce a high level of performance and advanced knowledge which lead to the appropriate award at National Qualifications at Intermediate, Standard Grade and Higher level.