How refreshing - just been to DS2's "sports day" at nursery..........

[FAQ]

and while the basis of the morning was just to have fun - lots of different activities to do, they were split into "teams" and points added up and announced at the end of the morning.

They had one "big" race (completely manic and uncoordinated but lots of fun for all of them) and the 3 that happened to cross the finishing line got a little rosettte with 1st, 2nd and 3rd on them - and all the children got a certificate before they left for taking part. And the 3 parents that crossed the line first when we joined in got a certificate too

I didn't see one upset child "because they didn't win" and it was so lovely to a attend a fun - but still with a hint of competitiveness about it sports day. Far too much of this "oh no we can't make it a "competition" in any shape or form as some children may be upset" nonsense.

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lol Aimsmum

I agree with FAQ - non-competitive sports day is ridiculous. Life's a competition - get over it.

nods sagely

Whilst I agree with the general principle that life is competetive, I don't like the whole public display of ability that is on show on bloody sports days. Aimsmum wouldn't it be nice if your dd was able to have her reading ability publically acknowledged and celebrated by her peers and their parents?

Why is it OK for kids to have their crapness at sport so publically displayed, while their crapness at say Maths and Literacy is very much hidden from everyone?

but that's life titchy - some people end up excelling in careers where they've very much "out of view" from other people, while others end up with careers that are easily seen....

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True FAQ - but some people choose careers where they're out of view because they don't like the limelight. Sprts day doesn't even give you that choice! And these are little kids not adults able to make decisions!

ds's primary HT always says on sports day that this is a lovely opportunity for some kids who are goodat sport to show what they can do. Doesn't say it in a negative way at all - in fact academic results there are great (it's in an 11 plus area and well over 50% of class pass each year). I can't abide those everybody faff about over a load of dodgy equipment afternoons - you'd be amazed how many parents offer to help make tea when the sport gets dull! On the other hand I don't believe every child should have to run in sprints. There is a happy medium and our school does it.