At Thorntree Academy, we emphasise the significance of maintaining good health and engage our children in discussions on how to achieve this. Incorporated into our curriculum timetable and personal development offerings are five crucial components of Physical Health: PE Lessons, healthy school environment, outdoor activities, health education and after-school clubs. These elements collectively lay a robust foundation for our children, fostering both an awareness of the importance of their health and avenues for enhancing their physical well-being.

5 Components to Physical Health

PE Lessons: Each child has two PE lessons per week; one indoors and one outdoors. In Key Stage 2, this can include swimming lessons at the Rainbow Centre. The PE curriculum ensures retrieval opportunities for children to be able to develop and strengthen their own skills and game understanding, whilst focusing on team work and resilience of character.

Healthy School Environment: At Thorntree , we provide healthy school meals, which are available to order in advance. Children, along with their families, can order for the term ahead by exploring the many meals available on a three-week rotation. Alongside their meal, children also have access to a daily salad bar. Children in EYFS and KS1 have access to fruit at breaktimes. Milk is provided for EYFS children as a healthy calcium intake. Our DT empowers children to make healthy food choices, creating a positive outlook to personal diet. Parents/Carers are invited into school to participate in food preparation sessions as a means of educating the wider community in food. Additionally, there are multiple sanitising opportunities throughout the school day.

Outdoor Activities: Our playgrounds are a hub of physical activity, offering the opportunity to partake in a plethora of games. On the playground, there are climbing frames, trim trails, a MUGA and a mini football pitch which all children have access too. As well as this, there is a range of equipment for the children to access. Games are facilitated by our support staff, lunchtime supervisors and our dedicated team of student Sport Leaders. Should children wish to, there is the opportunity to read and reflect in the school’s reading den.

Health Education: Health education is integrated into the curriculum, primarily through PSHE. Through our Science curriculum, concepts of balanced diets, exercise, lifestyle and healthy eating are woven through to help understand our body.

After School Clubs: Our school places significant emphasis on after school clubs as a means of fostering our children's interests and strengths. This academic year has seen an expansion of club offerings, highlighting our commitment to providing diverse opportunities for our children. These clubs are provided by our team of dedicated and passionate teaching staff, support staff and some external providers. Our clubs include: Girl’s Rugby, Arts and Crafts, Times Table Rock Star, Choir amongst others which change termly. Additionally, there is a yearlong coding club for children with a specific interest in computing. Children are selected through a thorough application process.