PHYSICAL EDUCATION

It is not our intention merely to produce gifted 'athletes' or teams of an elitist nature, although naturally some arise from our system. Our prime concern is with the individual. We come to know his strengths and weaknesses. Our wish is to help each boy develop his potential to the full, regardless of his ability and encourage lifelong participation. A boy performing a cartwheel for the first time deserves just as much recognition as a boy selected to represent the county at football: each one has his place.

There are extensive playing fields as part of the school as well as a well-equipped gymnasium. The changing rooms and shower areas are adjacent to all these amenities.

Within the double period per week allocated to PE in Years 7, 8 and 9, the programme includes floor and apparatus gymnastics, basket-ball, health related fitness, outdoor activities and cross-country running. Boys are encouraged to analyse, evaluate and modify their performances across the activity range.

In the senior years the gymnasium experiences are broadened to include weight training, circuit training and some fitness testing to help further each individual's development. Techniques and training are given with a greater emphasis on self performance analysis and modification, and the competitive game. In the summer term all year groups experience track and field athletics instead of gymnasium activities.

In Years 11, 12 and 13 several more individual type sports are available. In the programme there are opportunities for boys of all abilities to take part in internal form competitions.

GCSE Physical Education is an option in Years 10 & 11. The new Sport and Physical Education AS/A level course will build on experience gained from Sports Studies at A level which has been running successfully since 1992 with many boys going on into Higher Education to read for sport related degrees.