Southfield School is proud to announce that we have once again been awarded the Gold School Games Mark, a prestigious national recognition celebrating excellence in physical education, school sport and the promotion of active lifestyles.

This achievement reflects the continued dedication of our staff, pupils and wider school community in creating a positive, inclusive and engaging environment where all children can develop confidence, physical skills and a lifelong enjoyment of being active. As a SEND school, ensuring that every pupil can access meaningful and appropriate physical activity remains at the heart of our provision.

Feedback from the School Games organisers praised the breadth and quality of opportunities available at Southfield, noting:
 

“The evidence you provided is fantastic and truly highlights the wide range of opportunities available in physical activity at Southfield. I can clearly see your school’s commitment to promoting and developing physical activity as well as physical literacy.”

Throughout the year, pupils have taken part in a wide variety of physical activities both in and beyond the school day. These include enriched PE lessons supported by specialist coaches in dance, gymnastics, archery, tennis and golf, alongside regular sessions led by sports coaches and visiting professionals. Partnerships with external providers, such as Brocket Hall, Bishop’s Stortford and Hertfordshire Disability Sport Foundation, have further enhanced pupils’ experiences, including successful ‘Learn to Ride’ sessions where children developed confidence and independence on bikes.

Off-site opportunities have played an important role in broadening pupils’ experiences, with visits to swimming pools, golf courses, athletics events, archery centres and inclusive sports festivals. Highlights also included the Presidents’ Day event at St Luke’s, participation in community fun runs, speed stacking competitions, and events such as This Girl Can and TAP at Gosling.

In addition, pupils have benefited from Forest School, equine therapy for identified children, sensory-friendly play visits, international dance celebrations and whole-school workshops such as skipping and Bollywood dance. Extra-curricular opportunities have been strengthened through clubs, PTA-organised weekend soft play sessions for families, and enrichment activities designed to support wellbeing, social interaction and physical development.

At Southfield, we remain committed to:

• Promoting physical activity and wellbeing
• Ensuring inclusive access to sport for all pupils
• Developing confidence, teamwork, resilience and physical literacy
• Encouraging healthy, active lifestyles beyond the school day

This award is a true reflection of our whole-school approach and would not be possible without the ongoing support of families and partners. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Sarah Monk, Subject Lead for Physical Education, whose dedication and hard work have been instrumental in achieving this recognition.

We look forward to building on this success and continuing to provide the very best physical activity opportunities for our pupils.