The PAT Games are an opportunity for our pupils to represent their school at sporting events held across Pontefract Academies Trust.
To reflect on the first term of PAT Games 2023/24 Kate Wood, Physical Education, School Sport and Wellbeing Coordinator, has written our Term 1 blog:
The PAT Games are a sporting extravaganza, showcasing a diverse range of athletic talent. Each event emphasises inclusivity, participation, and the joy of competition.
The PAT Games welcomes athletes of all skill levels, promoting an environment where everyone can join in and contribute to their team’s success.
The cross-country event required our pupils to demonstrate endurance and perseverance, as they ran across the challenging terrain at The Kings School. Larks Hill were crowned the overall champions!
Football has been a firm favourite of the PAT Games this term. We have held both competitions and festivals so that pupils begin to focus on enjoying the game, not just winning. We have seen competition victories for Halfpenny Lane Girls and Larks Hill Boys who were pushed to the whistle in a thriller of a final with The Rookeries.
De Lacy’s participation in football festivals has consistently embodied the ‘Spirit of the Games,’ with a strong emphasis on determination, respect, honesty, and self-belief. These characteristics not only contribute to success on the field but also play a crucial role in shaping the positive sporting culture within the school community.
The Year 3/4 PAT Games Racket Festival at Pontefract Squash Club was a fantastic opportunity to build community links and encourage pupils to try something new. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and learning, the festival contributed to the broader goal of creating a healthier and more active community.
2023/24 is the first year of our PAT Games Championships, where schools can accumulate points for participation, showing the ‘Spirit of the Games’ characteristics and, when taking part in a competition, the position they finish. We aim to teach pupils the importance of inclusivity and that participation is just as important as playing to win. Our Term 1 results are:
1st – De Lacy Primary 137 points
2nd– Carleton Park 124 points
3rd– The Rookeries 123 points
Well done to De Lacy! We are looking forward to some more fantastic PAT Games events taking place in Term 2 and seeing more of our incredible pupils getting involved.
Kate Wood
Physical Education, School Sport, and Well Being Coordinator