Winning teams breed success

Sport and physical education play a lead role in the education of children at St. John's says Head of PE Jason Hodgson

Posted by Hannah Oakman | October 30, 2015 | Sports & Leisure

St John's, Physical education , Sports, Competition

Through delivering outstanding PE lessons, pupils develop not only physically, but mentally, socially, emotionally and culturally. This is achieved through working hard at improving skills and fitness, developing knowledge, encouraging teamwork and enjoyment through sharing successful outcomes, understanding the effects competitive sport has on individuals and teams and learning about how sport varies around the world.

As well as being involved in outstanding lessons, the pupils compete both in inter-house and external competitions, including national competitions. Pupils have the opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge within school in a variety of sporting events including, cross-country championships, swimming galas, sports days and house competitions.

Outside of school, we compete against other schools in a number of sports such as, cricket, tennis, netball, rounders, cross-country and football. In recent years, we have been crowned Borough champions in netball and currently hold the title for under 13’s.

Football has recently become a highlight, with our under 15’s boys reaching the quarter finals of a national competition and Borough champions at under 11’s boys level, who will now go on to compete nationally. We believe being part of a winning school breeds success in other areas, as confidence and self esteem increases. Pupils are also encouraged to be dignified in defeat, and to learn from their experiences to help them to develop further.

A key ingredient to becoming a successful sporting school stems from developing fundamental motor skills into sports specific skills at young age, whilst trying a variety of activities. Pupils are encouraged to nurture their skills and interests, not only in lessons, but also in extra-curricular time, where we deliver a wide range of clubs and opportunities. At present, over 90% of boys between the age of seven and eighteen attend a sports club from a selection of 33 sports including horse riding, white water rafting, indoor rock climbing, fencing, golf and boxing among others. We have also witnessed a significant increase in participation amongst girls.

The school has invested heavily into sport, and without such magnificent facilities, it would not be possible to deliver such high quality sport. The school is equipped with a state-of-the-art Sports Hall with high spec changing facilities, three Tiger Turf tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court and large playing fields.

Having said all of this, we are still aiming to reach higher heights, as the school continues to invest in sport.

Jason Hodgson is Head of PE at St John's.
http://www.sports.stjohnsprepandseniorschool.com