At St Michael and All Angels, we strongly believe in the power of competition to inspire, motivate and develop our pupils—both as individuals and as team players. While physical literacy focuses on internal motivation and lifelong engagement in activity, competitive sport can often provide the initial spark of excitement, pride, and belonging that helps children make meaningful connections to physical activity.

We ensure that children have the opportunity to represent the school in a competitive fixture, regardless of ability. This inclusive approach builds confidence, fosters teamwork, and promotes resilience. Throughout the year, we have taken part in a wide range of intra-school and inter-school competitions across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. These include events and tournaments organised through the Wirral School Games, Activity for All, Tranmere Rovers, LFC Academy, and the Chance to Shine Cricket programme, even getting to the final of the Wirral Wide Houlihan Cup this year. Competitions have ranged from traditional team sports like football and cricket to more accessible, inclusive formats such as athletics, dodgeball, mini golf and multi-skills festivals. We also host intra-school house competitions, giving every child the chance to compete in a familiar and supportive environment.

Through competition, our pupils develop not only physical competence, but also key personal and social skills such as determination, respect, honesty, and teamwork—closely aligned with the School Games values we promote throughout our curriculum.

Our school runs a comprehensive competition calendar of Intra Games, providing children with opportunities to participate in friendly, inclusive competitions throughout the year. These events are designed not only to promote physical activity but also to develop key personal and social skills.

·        Through participation, children:

·        Have fun and enjoy themselves

·        Develop friendships and social connections

·        Build determination and demonstrate resilience

·        Understand and show respect for others

·        Learn self-control and emotional management

·        Experience being part of a team

·        Appreciate their individual contribution to team success

·        Win with pride and lose with grace

This year, our pupils have actively taken part in a wide range of intra-school competitions organised by Wirral School Games, including football, cricket, rugby, gymnastics, and more. These events have played a vital role in encouraging engagement and fostering a positive sporting culture within the school.

Play Leaders

This year, we launched our Playground Leaders Programme, which is continuing to grow and develop. Selected pupils have received leadership training and now play an active role during break and lunch times. These leaders work closely with younger children, facilitating games, modelling positive behaviour, and promoting inclusion and teamwork. In Key Stage 2, they also take on greater responsibilities, overseen by our PE coach, such as refereeing games and leading small-sided activities, supporting a more structured and active playground environment.

Leadership development also takes place during PE lessons, where pupils are encouraged to ‘learn to lead’ by taking warm-ups, organising equipment, leading small group tasks, and even co-delivering parts of lessons. Children regularly collaborate to observe and provide feedback on performance using iPads, helping to build communication, analysis, and critical thinking skills.

Through these opportunities, pupils develop a sense of responsibility, confidence, and pride in contributing to the school’s sporting culture—skills that extend well beyond the playground or sports field.

Don't forget to stay up to date with sporting events and activities at St Michael & All Angels by checking our X page and Instagram @smaaanews