Developing key life skills and keeping fit and healthy
Sport plays a key role in developing life skills. Teamwork, communication, testing ourselves to the limit, maintaining concentration and stamina are all important. It is also essential in keeping young bodies fit and healthy as they grow. The skills developed at an early age can provide each individual with the ability to stay fit and healthy throughout life.
Taking part in sport is a big part of life in the Preparatory School and all pupils are given the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sports at a level commensurate with their ability. We firmly believe that sport is for everyone and aim to ensure that children of all abilities and aptitudes have a positive experience and learn to appreciate the enjoyment and benefits to be gained from physical activity.
As well as our own astro turf, the Prep School also has access to all the facilities of the Senior School and The Lindum Playing Fields.
We offer a full range of sports fixtures, which parents are warmly invited to attend and support (please see the Events Calendar).
Our major sports throughout the year are:
| Michaelmas Term | Lent Term | Trinity Term |
|---|---|---|
| Rugby (boys) | Football (boys) | Cricket (boys) |
| Hockey (girls) | Netball (girls) | Rounders (girls) |
In addition to the games programme, a number of sports are taught in PE lessons. Athletics, badminton, cross country running, dance, gymnastics, pop lacrosse, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball all present opportunities for your child to be part of a thriving curriculum.
The sports programme is complemented by a range of after-school clubs including: ballet, cricket, football, gymnastics, modern dance, polo, tennis, yoga and team sports.
With such an extensive programme of sporting opportunities we hope that your child finds at least one absorbing interest from which he or she can derive that sense of achievement so vital to the development of self-confidence.
To enable every child to enjoy sport and to compete successfully, they need to be given a sound foundation and expert tuition. In order for each child to find the sport he or she does best, they should be provided with a full range of opportunities. For a child to do well in sport, they need to have talent, but they also require motivation, enjoyment and focus. All of this is encouraged from an early age at St. Mary's Preparatory School.