A group of sport and psychology students from Manchester High School for Girls learned to keep their ‘inner chimp’ in check as they welcomed elite sport psychologist, Sarah Broadhead, from the renowned Chimp Management team, to School on Wednesday 28th March.
Working under the leadership of Professor Steve Peters, author of best-selling mind management book, The Chimp Paradox, Sarah supports elite athletes, including Great Britain’s Taekwondo team, using Professor Peters’ acclaimed model and methods.
Sarah Broadhead said: “It’s important for all of us to be comfortable talking about mental health and to understand that the brain can be tricky. Learning how your mind works and how to manage your emotions, your ‘inner chimp’, is especially important for young people as they deal with everyday pressures. The logical part of their brain is still developing and so to have those tools is key to succeed and be happy in life.”
PE teacher Sarah Rowley from Manchester High School for Girls said: “At MHSG, we have a highly successful PE department and a large number of our students enjoy regional and national success in team and individual sports such as hockey, tennis and water polo.”
“Our students were really excited to learn how to tackle those niggling thoughts and reactions that can cause havoc when competing at a high level. These skills are also transferrable to all aspects of life, not just sports performance, and will help equip our girls for their exciting futures that no doubt lie ahead.”
Sarah Broadhead also highlighted the range of opportunities within psychology and sport and gave students top tips and advice on how to get ahead in building successful careers.
MHSG student, Abigail Barnett (13) from Stockport, is a keen hockey player and explained: “I have never really thought about how the brain works when under pressure, you just tend to deal with situations in your own way. It was great to understand more about mind management; hopefully I can follow Sarah Broadhead’s advice on the pitch and develop my game further.”
