"Don't dream of winning, train for it!" Sir Mo Farrah

What is a world without movement? Without the freedom to run, jump and climb? What is the world if it simply stood still? At Madresfield, athletes are born.

With a curriculum that finds itself surrounded my fresh, open space, it is one that is built upon team-spirit, resilience, determination and wellbeing. By providing opportunities to compete in sport; to build character and to help to embed values such as fairness and respect, we help children develop a life-long love for exercise and healthy lifestyles.

Madresfield's map to proficient athletes

The first steps to becoming a successful athlete:

• Gross and fine motor skills
• Negotiate space safely
• Move energetically
• Demonstrate strength and co-ordination 

I'm in EYFS, there is a huge field to run around in (I can even see the cows!) I want to move. My classroom has chairs, I don't have to sit in them, I can move my body freely and sit how I feel comfortable - after all my bones and muscles are growing so fast. I can balance, jump and climb, my outside space allows me to practice moving, I learn best when I am not sat still. I like learning new games, I like new challenges - they're hard sometimes but I mustn't give up!

I can: 

• use a tripod grip
• pat, squeeze, pinch and twist
• start to use tools with increasing control
• form my letters and numbers correctly and with control
• experiment with movement and move in different ways  
• get on and off apparatus successfully
• travel around, under through, over equipment
• jump off an object and land safely
• negotiate space whilst playing racing and chasing games  
• have control over my body  
• move safely
• run successfully and skilfully 
• show excellent co-ordination when throwing, catching and kicking
• show excellent control when moving in a variety of ways on and off equipment 

KS1 already? Playing is my language. I need to sit more than I used to to do my learning but my need to move is still important. I want to run, jump and climb. I want to move by body to wake up my brain. I am not afraid to try new things, my hands, my legs and my body move together much more easily now. I really like winning but I also know it's the taking part that counts. 

I can:  

• Participate in team games, developing simple tactics for attacking and defending. 
• Master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching.  
• Develop balance, agility and coordination and begin to apply these in a range of activities. 
• Perform dances using simple movement patterns.
• Apply what I have learnt about the importance of an active lifestyle in my day-to-day experiences.

KS2, my final destination. Winning is more important than it has ever been but so is team-work. Sports is my way of letting off steam, sports keep me fit and healthy, sport connects me to my community. My body is not as flexible as it once was, my body is changing, keeping my stamina takes a lot more work but my body is stronger, more powerful and my body is ready!

I can: 

• Run, jump, throw, catching both separately and together
• Play competitive games
• Attack and defend
• Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance
• Perform dances using a range of movement patterns
• Take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team
• Compare my performances and improve to achieve my personal best

It's time for new adventures, Year 7 awaits: better equipment, different sports, opportunity to contact, opportunity to compete and travel. I am an athlete, a team-player and because of that my journey is just beginning!