Sports & Outdoor Learning at St Mary & St John
At St Mary & St John, we believe that sport and outdoor learning play a vital role in developing confident, resilient, and well-rounded children.
Our pupils are given the opportunity to take part in a variety of sports festivals and competitions. We have both boys’ and girls’ football teams who train weekly and play matches regularly. Throughout Key Stage 2, children also represent the school in a range of sporting events. At the heart of our approach is inclusion: we aim to give as many pupils as possible the chance to take part, rather than focusing solely on competitiveness. While this may mean our teams are not always the strongest, the lessons learned go far beyond the scoreboard. Children develop teamwork, perseverance, and pride in representing their school, while enjoying the spirit of healthy competition.
We are equally committed to providing Forest School and Outdoor Learning opportunities for every child, from Reception through to Year 6. Time spent in nature nurtures curiosity, confidence, and resilience, while sparking a sense of awe and wonder that cannot always be found in the classroom. By exploring, playing, and learning outdoors, children not only enrich their education but are also inspired to care for and protect the world around them.
A particular highlight of our outdoor curriculum is the annual Year 6 residential trip to the Woodlands Centre in Wales. This fun-filled week includes activities such as canoeing, climbing, abseiling, mountain walking, orienteering, and caving. For many children, it is a memorable and transformative experience—and often the highlight of their year.
Physical Education Long Term Plan
Intent, Implementation & Impact
Swimming at St Mary & St John
The school has use of the nearby Oxford University Rosenblatt Pool for swimming sessions.
This is a lovely pool, large (25 m x 17 m) and well equipped, with good changing areas. It is part of the Oxford University Sports Complex on Iffley Road, and the children walk to and from the sessions, in supervised groups, along Meadow Lane and Jackdaw Lane.
On swimming days children need to bring to school a swimsuit, a towel and a swimming cap, in a waterproof bag. Caps can be bought at the school office at Meadow Lane.
At the end of Key Stage 2 (end of primary school), maintained schools in England are required to publish the percentage of their Year 6 pupils who have met the national curriculum requirements for swimming and water safety. This includes demonstrating the ability to swim competently, confidently, and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 meters, using a range of strokes effectively, and performing safe self-rescue in different water-based situations.
*In the academic Year 2024-2025, 80% of our Year 6 children met national curriculum requirements for swimming and water safety; this is above the regional average*