Fun, learning, and togetherness at Downderry school
Downderry school prefects inspire APPG panel discussion on school PE provision
Witnessing children inspired by physical activity was one of the aims of a recent All Parliamentary Party Group (APPG) session at Downderry Primary School in Lewisha, London - led by England Athletics, The Personal Best Foundation and sports partners.
Fun, learning, and togetherness were abundant as forty Downderry Primary School children participated in their Daily Mile run as well as showcasing their enjoyment and learning through their participation in after-school funetics (run, jump and throw) sessions.
However, it was four Downderry prefects who inspired APPG organisers and guests with their passionate and very articulate questioning of panels members which included: Shadow Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell, APPG Chair MP Kim Leadbetter, Sports Games Organisers including Millwall FC, Youth Sport Trust, and TCS London Marathon.
The scene could have been in Westminster and at a Prime Minister’s Question Time; as the prefects seized the opportunity to ask some hard-hitting questions to members of the panel and guests in the room; demonstrating a clear understanding of PE provision in their own school, as well as access to physical activity in their local area.
Their questions addressed:
- The joining up of school PE with after-school and weekend provision.
- The provision of indoor and outdoor facilities.
- Access to facilities locally concerning cost reduction and convenience.
- Variety of physical activity to reflect children’s interests in contemporary activity.
- Activity that reflects and supports diversity and inclusion.
- Access to competition and events.
- The opportunity to support and encourage fellow school children with their participation in activity.
"Our prefects are wonderful ambassadors of the school, demonstrating an understanding of the importance of PE and physical activity and an appreciation of what we do here at Downderry. I couldn’t be prouder of their questions to the panel today."
"Downderry is a school which recognises the importance of PE and physical activity, and facilitates opportunities for children to be active during the school day, despite the many challenges we face which include: providing a balanced curriculum, timetabling, space, and funding pressures. PE and exercise help to energise our children- helping them to learn."
Similarly, the other children’s questions to the professional athletes Emmanuel Oyinbo-Coker Commonwealth Games gold-medallist and Olympian Donna Fraser OBE who joined them today in the funetics activities and a Q&A session – all of which, many of the children will never forget.
