At Southlands, pupils are provided with a wide range of opportunities to be physically active, the curriculum embraces the Statutory Orders of the National Curriculum 2014 and takes into account individual interests and needs. It is inclusive, and every student has equal access irrespective of their age, gender and cultural or ethnic background.

​Our curriculum covers a broad scope of activities, placing students in cooperative, collaborative and competitive situations that aim to cater to the preferences, strengths and needs of every student. These activities include; invasion games, net/wall games, athletics, striking/fielding games, outdoor activities, fitness, target games, gymnastics and dance.

CURRICULUM AIMS

​Physical Literacy - Our curriculum is designed to develop students' physical literacy by enhancing their competence, confidence, motivation and knowledge to engage in a wide range of physical activities. Through participation in varied and progressive activities, students develop fundamental movement skills, sport-specific techniques and the understanding required to make informed choices about physical activity. We aim to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to remain active throughout their lives, both within and beyond school.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities - Students are encouraged to extend their participation in sport and physical activity through a wider range of extra-curricular clubs, enrichment activities and competitive opportunities. These experiences provide students with an opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence and foster positive relationships with their peers. Participation in school sport supports students' personal development by promoting teamwork, leadership, resilience and sportsmanship.

School Games Mark - Southlands is proud to have been awarded the Gold School Games Mark, recognising our commitment to providing high-quality physical education, school sport and competitive opportunities for all students. This national award reflects our dedication to promoting participation, inclusion and healthy, active lifestyles across the school community.

Kit:​

Students may attend school in their PE kit on the days that they are timetabled PE. More information regarding our PE kit (and full school uniform) can be found here.

Students should wear clothing that is fit for purpose according to the activity, environment and weather conditions. We recommend…

• ​Tracksuit top with Southlands logo.
• Tracksuit bottoms with Southlands school logo.
• Sports top with Southlands School logo.
• Black sports shorts.
• Black sports leggings
• Trainers (must be worn for health and safety purposes).

​In hot weather, protection from the sun is advisable; therefore, students can wear caps and loose, light clothing. Parents are advised to provide sun cream protection for their children to apply. 

• Long hair should be tied back 
• Personal effects such as jewellery, religious artefacts, watches, hair slides and sensory aids (including glasses) should be removed to establish a safe working environment when deemed appropriate to do so. 

Swimming: 

Lessons take place on a half-term basis. Lessons are planned and delivered by the pool provider’s swimming instructors; class teachers assist with and support sessions. 

Swimming Dates:

Year 9 students - Thursday mornings

Autumn - starting 11/09/25 until 23/09/25 and Spring - starting 26/02/26 until 05/04/26.

Year 8 Students - Thursday mornings

Autumn – starting 06/10/25 until 18/10/25 and Summer - starting 23/04/26 until 21/05/26.

Year 7 Students - Thursday mornings 

Spring – starting 08/01/26 until 12/02/26 and Summer – starting 04/06/26 until 09/07/26. 

In years 10 and 11, swimming is optional - students are encouraged to swim freely in the water whilst being monitored by staff and the pool providers lifeguards.

LEARNING JOURNEYS 2026 - 2027 (click to view or download a copy below)

 School Sport

To help support students and give them the opportunity to experience competitive activities.

We are part of the School Games and Wanderers association - these allow us as a school to experience sporting events in different venues and give students the opportunity of participating in an activity in a more competitive environment or try something different.

Calendar of Events

Here is the link to the calendar of events (click here). Students will be chosen for the activities by staff in school. 

Physical Activity

Alongside our PE curriculum, we provide opportunities for all pupils to be physically active throughout the day. For example, active break and lunch times, intervention sessions, movement breaks, promotion of independent travel (KS4), National school sports week, and sports day.

Aims:

The aims of the out of hours learning programme are to extend and enrich the work being done during PESSPA. The programme will reinforce the importance of keeping physically active in order to lead a healthy lifestyle. 

See our 'Out of Hours Clubs' available by clicking here.

Meet the Team:

At Southlands School, we recognise that every pupil is unique and that behaviour is often a form of communication. Our Student Engagement and Development Lead works closely with pupils, families and staff to ensure that every young person feels safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential.

The role focuses on promoting emotional wellbeing, self-regulation, inclusion and positive relationships across the school. By working collaboratively with staff, parents and external professionals, the role helps to identify barriers to learning and develop personalised approaches that support pupils to thrive both academically and socially.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils to develop emotional regulation and self-awareness skills.
• Promoting a whole-school approach that recognises behaviour as communication.
• Coordinating individual regulation plans, safety plans and support strategies.
• Working alongside staff to develop consistent, supportive approaches across the school.
• Monitoring pupil wellbeing, engagement and participation.
• Leading weekly Regulation and Support Review Meetings to identify emerging needs and celebrate progress.
• Supporting staff training in areas such as regulation, trauma-informed practice and Positive Behaviour Support.
• Working with families to ensure a collaborative approach to pupil support.
• Monitoring trends and patterns to help inform whole-school improvement.
• Supporting safeguarding, inclusion and pupil voice initiatives.
• Promoting positive recognition and celebration of pupil achievements through the school recognition framework (this could be the purple rewards).

How This Helps Pupils

The role helps to ensure that pupils:

• Feel safe, valued and understood.
• Have access to personalised support when needed.
• Develop skills for emotional regulation and resilience.
• Build positive relationships with peers and adults.
• Experience a consistent approach from all staff.
• Have their strengths, achievements and progress recognised and celebrated.
• Are supported to overcome barriers to learning and participation.
• Feel included as active members of the Southlands School community.

At Southlands School, we are committed to creating an environment where every pupil can succeed. Through a focus on regulation, inclusion and positive support, we aim to help all young people develop the confidence, skills and resilience needed for future success.