The standard of sport amongst the girls and boys at Woodbridge School continues to reach new heights. This year there are eight pupils representing Great Britain in various sports, a much larger number reaching national finals, and over 60 (about one in ten) representing their county.
The Sports Development Programme was introduced to:
- support those pupils playing at or near national level
- encourage others to aspire to play and enjoy sport at a higher level
- develop a knowledge of training and skills in all sportsmen and sportswomen.
Raising fitness, awareness and confidence, the programme has enhanced the sporting experiences of everyone at the School.
A Programme of Development and Commitment
The Sports Development Programme consists of a Start Level (Years 7-8), Development Level and Performance Level (both years 9-13).
In each level there is a focus on:
- Skills and performance (including strategy)
- Personal fitness, and personal fitness testing
- Diet and nutrition advice
- Sports psychology (motivational techniques; learning how to win and how to lose) and physiology
- Sports' injury and massage (including access to professionals)
Pupils who have been selected at Performance Level by regional and national bodies will often be required to train or compete for both days of the weekend, plus some evenings.
Liaising with the pupil’s tutor, the Head of Sports Development will ensure active communication between coaches, teachers, parents and pupils to ensure the combination of academic and sporting demands are managed sympathetically and constructively.