We teach students about the importance and benefits of healthy habits as part of our Personal, Social, Health and Economic syllabus, and promote physical activity, a balanced diet and self-care activities throughout the curriculum and school life.
Healthy eating
Ark Oval prides itself in providing pupils with flavoursome lunches which are cooked fresh on site on a daily basis by our in-house chef. The menu is served on a three-week rotation, updated each half term and is designed to provide a well-balanced nutritious meal each day. There are three daily options consisting of a meaty Halal main, a vegetarian main or a jacket potato; each served with a selection of vegetable sides and salads.
From our Reception to KS2, all children are provided with a separate plate and bowl and are taught how to dine in a social and respectful way. We also provide signposting to the termly school menu, nutritional facts and guidance throughout the lunch hall.
We also run a breakfast club where children can get involved in a range of activities and receive a nutritionally balanced meal.
Mental health
We promote positive mental health for every student and member of staff, and have both a universal whole-school approach to mental health, together with specialised, targeted approaches for vulnerable students.
Physical activity
The aim of the fitness programme is to ensure that pupils receive regular exercise activity. Lessons are designed to raise the heart rate and improve overall fitness, stamina and flexibility. Units across the year and across the school develop the following:
- Flexibility exercise. Children become more agile when they are able to stretch and move their bodies in a full range of motion. Encouraging children to begin stretching in childhood can help them maintain limber physiques throughout life.
- Strength and stamina. Strength exercises can help children build healthy muscles. With an appropriately organised programme, children can advance their strength and stamina. Due to the age of pupils and risk of injury during growth spurts no weights will be used during strength classes; most workouts will focus on non-resistance training and developing stamina.
- Aerobic exercise. Cardiovascular training is an important component of children’s fitness, keeping their heart and lungs strong.
- Circuit training. Children can apply their strength and stamina, and develop greater levels of fitness through circuit training. Circuit training combines aerobic exercise, strength, stamina and flexibility.