Here at St Mary’s, our aim is for all children to have represented the school in a sporting competition by the time they reach the end of Year 6. 
 

The School Games ‘Positive experiences of Competition’ toolkit explains that, ‘Sports competitions can provide positive outcomes for young people… A positive experience can support the physical, emotional, social and personal development of a young person and encourage lifelong enjoyment and engagement in physical activity.’ 
 

The School Games types of competition:

• Intra-school competition
• Local inter-school competition

Intra school competition is built into our PE offer. This is a sports event where pupils from the same school compete against each other. These competitions lead up to our annual ‘School Sports Week’. 

Local inter school competitions are organised by both our Tameside School Games Officer and ourselves. We take part in at least one competition per term. 

The aims of the School Games are:

• Tackling inequalities (Increase participation of schools from the most underserved communities) 

• Physical Literacy (Positive experiences are created and promoted for children and young people)

• Youth Voice (Embed and enhance

  the principle of ‘by young people, for

  young people’) 

Our intent is to provide every child with a positive experience of competition in an environment where their motivation, competence and confidence are at the centre. 

School Games Principles of competition. 

1. The young person’s motivation, competence and confidence are at the centre of the competition.

2. The focus is on the process rather than the outcome (on the learning and values development of the young person rather than the result).

3. Volunteers, leaders and officials are appropriately trained and display behaviours reflective of the nature of the competition.

4. The environment is safe and creates opportunities to learn and maximise social development.

5. The faculty and the environment that is created for the competition reflects the motivations, competence and confidence of the young people and format of the competitions

Cricket

On Friday 18th July, 8 children from Year 6 took part in a Cricket tournament at Droylsden Cricket Club.  They played against two other schools from the area.  Leading up to the competition, our Year 6 class had training led by Derek Withers from Droylsden Cricket Club.  It was a great afternoon and the team really enjoyed it.  You can see us here wearing our new 'Sports Team' kit!

'I really enjoyed the competition.  The weather was great and it was well organised.  I felt proud because we did really well.' Arthur, Year 6.

'It was challenging but I enjoyed it.  It was a really good competition.' Tahlia, Year 6.

Swimming

On the 7th July 2025, 8 children from Year 5 took part in the swimming gala finals having progressed through the heats.  The whole class have been having swimming lessons all year as part of our National Curriculum delivery.  It was a great afternoon and the children really enjoyed representing our school.

'It was intense taking part in the final as the other schools were very fast.  I felt proud to represent our school and I really enjoyed it.' Amelia-Rose, Year 5

'I felt nervous and a bit worried taking part in the final.  Afterwards, I felt good.  I really enjoyed it.' Lewis, Year 5

Rounders

On the 25th June 2025, 11 Year 6 pupils represented the school at a Rounders Tournament.  This took place at Denton Community Academy.  We came 2nd in our group but unfortunately did not progress through to the finals.  The children played fantastically and we were very proud of them.

'I enjoyed playing on the Rounders team.  It was a good competition and all teams played fairly.  I have been in every sports team this year which makes me feel really proud.' Fiza, Year 6. 

Swimming

On Monday 16th June 2025, 8 children from Year 5 took part in the swimming gala heats at Active Medlock.  They performed brilliantly with all children either coming first or second in their races.  This meant that we were the overall winners and will take part in the finals in July.

'I liked the Gala because we worked as a team and we were great competitors.  We showed all of our school values and celebrated the other schools.' Finlay, Year 5

'I loved going because everybody showed great determination and sportsmanship.  I felt proud to represent St. Mary's.  It was a great experience.' Erin, Year 5

Basketball

On the 23rd March 2025, two teams represented our school at a Basketball tournament at Great Academy Ashton.  Our Year 5 team came 3rd in their group and the Year 6 team came 2nd. 

'I enjoyed representing the school.  It was a good competition and we played well as a team.  When I was substitute, I noticed my team played fairly and were kind to everyone.' Jessica, Year 5.

'It was an exciting competition.  I felt proud to take part.  I enjoyed it and felt pumped to represent the school.' Erin, Year 5

'It was joyful to play for my school.  I felt very proud to be chosen to represent the school.  I had fun and it was a fair competition.' Lucas, Year 6.

Cricket

On 19th May 2025, our Sports Team took part in an inter school Cricket competition at Denton Cricket Club.  We played really well as a team but didn't progress through to the finals.

'At the start of the competition, I was unsure but by the end I really enjoyed it. It was tiring but we played really well as a team.'  Jack, Year 5 

'It was a challenging competition but I enjoyed it.  I had never represented school before at a sports competition so I felt happy.'  Paige, Year 6.

Hockey

On the 20th November 2024, our Sports Team took part in the Hockey heats. We played incredibly well and made it through to the finals at Ashton Sixth Form College the week after. 

'I felt nervous taking part in the competition.  I was in net and I saved lots of goals.  I was surprised that we got through to the finals but I was happy.' Olivia, Year 5

'It was a fun competition.  I felt like a team player and we all worked together really well.'  Fiza, Year 6.