School sports days - agree or disagree

I've posted this before that at the DGC's small school the Y6 leavers always run the last race hand in hand so they all reach the finishing line together before they go off to different schools. It's quite emotional to see them.

That's lovely Callistemon, in true sporting spirit.

I was never good at sports, well the kind we had to participate in, anyway. But I still loved sports day because of the break from the usual, the cheering and shouting, etc. Being sporty is also being a good sportsman and supporting others.

I remember my first sports day. I could only have been 5 or 6 and I was way out in front in a running race, thought I was doing something wrong and slowed down to let the others catch up…or probably overtake me. I well remember the questions “why?”

Maybe we need to ask ourselves what sports day is for. What IS it for?

It is a total pain for those children who do not have sports skills, and for the poor fat child who brings up the rear. Teachers spend their time helping children to understand the importance of working together and of kindness, and then they put them through this humiliation - it does not compute.

It serves no purpose to give the sporty children a chance to shine - they have plenty of this throughout the year - matches with other schools etc.

Sports day adds nothing to encouraging children to be fit and active - it has the opposite effect.

There is no point at all in sports day. It achieves nothing at all for anyone.

All this talk of children developing resilience is utterly bizarre in this context. Of course children need to develop this in relation to the inevitable crap that life will throw at them; but to deliberately set up the crap to test them is positively weird and perverse.

There is no point at all in sports day. It achieves nothing at all for anyone.
I'm sorry, but I think that is a worrying statement coming from a school governor (which I think you said you are, Luckygirl)

Of course it has a purpose and, if run on more modern lines, as some schools do now, there is something for every child if the circuit games are included. It encourages teamwork and there is absolutely nothing wrong in healthy competition either.
No child should be humiliated and all should be encouraged to 'have a go' at something. Teachers who allow humiliation of children should be brought to task.

Having sat through some excruciating musical afternoons at primary school where every child is encouraged to participate in some way and loudly applauded too I might ask what is the point of them.

If sports day is pointless then we might as well forget all competition, Olympics, other Games etc.

If I were to ask the young children in my class today what they wanted to be when older, a fair percentage of them would name a sporting career. Sport encourages aspirations.
I really don't understand why so much humiliation is being spoken of. If it is that bad, it is bullying and has little to do with the activity.

When I was at primary school, in the late 50’s and early 60’s, every child had to be in at least one race. The slower ones usually were in the egg and spoon race.

At my GC’s primary school, there were heats beforehand, and those who weren’t fast enough, didn’t get in a race and were cheerleaders on the sidelines.

The sporty ones were in several events. Always seemed a bit unfair to me, I felt if they wanted to be part of it, they should have a chance to be in something.

Why can't Sports Day be optional like after-school Drama and Chess Club? It's an unnecessary event in my opinion - but those who enjoy it should be given an opportunity to have fun.

On the whole I agree with Luckygirl13. There is no point in sports day. I hadn’t looked at it that way before, but now she comes to mention it, I agree.

NotSpaghetti

Why can't Sports Day be optional like after-school Drama and Chess Club? It's an unnecessary event in my opinion - but those who enjoy it should be given an opportunity to have fun.

I agree with this, too. Sport isn’t an integral part of education.

But it isn't a case of pick and choose. Pupils go to school to be told what to do, or at least to be guided how to learn from each lesson. Is PE not a requirement of the curriculum? Or can the less creative ones drop out of Art lessons too?
And are teachers, caretakers going to be expected to stay after school to run the clubs?

Grandma70s
I agree with this, too. Sport isn’t an integral part of education.
Actually, it is, even without it being compulsory for schools to provide it.
For more and more children, dropped off and picked up at school by car, tied to a couch and their electronic devices out of school, sport at school is the only exercise they get.
Does it have to be competitive? No. Not every child wants to be in the football, netball, cricket or hockey team. Not every child wants to compete in table tennis or gymnastic or swimming tournaments so that isn’t compulsory.
For some children, those whose parents can’t afford to take them to all those activities privately, discovering a liking or a talent for any sports at school is important and wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t an integral part.

At the Olympic Games, it isn't the most beautiful or strongest who are crowned, but those who compete.

Aristotle

Joseanne And are teachers, caretakers going to be expected to stay after school to run the clubs?*
They certainly are, though many schools now invite external providers in e.g. for judo, or fencing or street dancing etc. Unfortunately, whilst teachers do the overtime for free, external providers charge, which affects some children’s chances of taking part.

Joseanne

But it isn't a case of pick and choose. Pupils go to school to be told what to do, or at least to be guided how to learn from each lesson. Is PE not a requirement of the curriculum? Or can the less creative ones drop out of Art lessons too?
And are teachers, caretakers going to be expected to stay after school to run the clubs?

We're not talking about PE

Sport isn’t an integral part of education.
Said the poster to whom I replied.

Physical activity is!

Exactly Aveline.
Sport definition = an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.

I hated sports day and it made me feel I’ll. the humiliation has never left my memory.mil was good academically though but that one day has haunted me forever!

All children (sporty or not) should learn from an early age that Sports Day is an excellent opportunity to let your hair down; watch your teachers get a bit giddy on the countdown to the Big Summer Holiday; slurp on some jubblies; and generally mess about with your mates! ?
Bring it on!!

Oh Fanny what a brilliant description, sounds like all the sports days I have volunteered at for my children a schools and now at the grandchildrens ones also.

Fun and frolicking ?‍♀️?

PE is part of the curriculum ' Mens Sana in Corpore Sano".
Circuits, as run by most schools today, do not expose any child to humiliation.
My local special school for children with profound and complex needs, manages this. I am sure that other schools are equally effective in encouraging participation across the levels of ability. I speak as the least sporty child and adult you are likely to meet.?

We seem to be talking about PE within the curriculum here.
What the OP was about was specifically "Sports Day" which is something quite different.

I think we should also have"Maths Day" where children/parents/guardians could all have a great, fun, frolicking day testing their calculus and probability skills ...
?
Then, roll on Chemistry Day! ?

Then, roll on Chemistry Day! ?

I dread to think what might happen on Biology Day ?