EDUCATION
inter-school fixtures. “We’ve had every student in years 7, 8 and 9, and the majority in years 10 and 13, representing the school in a competitive fixture of some sort this year,” says Josh Evans. He’s understandably proud of the fact that the school punches above its weight. “We’ve had lots of strong results against much larger and more established schools.” Other pupils prefer the individual challenge of, say, tennis or badminton – something that schools are more than happy to encourage. While younger pupils at The Leys School all take part in team sports, for example, the school also offers plenty of individual sports including squash and table tennis. “It’s all about developing the individual and their interests and passions,” says Carla Rudd. There’s a similar drive to get as many students involved as possible at Stoke College, which now offers such sports as table tennis, badminton and handball alongside the traditional roster of team sports. It’s proved extremely popular. “The level and quality of participation in PE has improved markedly over the past year, Knowing a pupil and understanding what might make them tick can only be useful
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Schools are offering a more diverse range of sports in order to appeal to a greater number of students
which is incredibly pleasing,” confirms Josh Evans. Schools are increasingly guaranteeing that specialist expertise is available to everybody. The focus at St Mary’s School is ‘sport for all’. It’s an ethos, says Louise Powell, that ensures all girls can participate. “Whether that’s joining an extra-curricular club or participating in competitive sports – there’s something for everyone’s ability and interest.” Catering for pupils with very different passions and motivation can require significant planning, as Gresham’s School confirms. It’s something that’s increasingly important. “Sport’s focus really has shifted in many ways with regards to development in both participation and performance,” says the school. “It is a careful balancing act to get right. Some pupils really wish to be involved in competitive sport and win at all costs; some just want to play sport as a leisure activity. It is about understanding the needs of all and catering accordingly.” This doesn’t mean that elite sports and ferocious competition are on the
62 JUNE 2023 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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