Grammar schools and sports

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ducativalentino
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon May 14, 2012 2:04 pm

Grammar schools and sports

Post by ducativalentino »

I am hoping that someone can help with this.

Out of the three girls Grammar schools, which one is best for sport? I hear a lot of talk about strong music at the Grammar's (quite rightly) but rarely does any one mention strong sports. Does anyone have any experience of how well they do at sports? DD is currently more sporty than musical so I want to make sure she can continue with it if she potentially goes to a Grammar.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
stroudydad
Posts: 2246
Joined: Sat Oct 08, 2011 2:25 pm

Re: Grammar schools and sports

Post by stroudydad »

I can't talk about other schools but there certainly seems to be plenty of sports on offer to pupils in the form lunchtime/after school clubs at SHS. Can't say I gave a lot of experience as daughter isn't hugely sporty, but she does enjoy archery and football.
Stressed?Moi?
Posts: 1844
Joined: Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:28 am

Re: Grammar schools and sports

Post by Stressed?Moi? »

Taken from the Ribston website so may be a good place to start with all of them. DD hates sports usually (plain lazy), but forgets herself sometimes and enjoys it. Her friends very much enjoy the sports they do there. I think they do/used to do extra curricular activities not mentioned here of horse riding (for pupils to compete using their own horses), and rowing in Gloucester, but I'm not too sure as dd didn't do them - best check. They have a small pool (apparently not very nice, according to my dd!) so have swimming in Year 7 only I think. They do dance (and have a really smart studio) as part of the curriculum too (and drama). Not sure how this all compares with the other schools - but her sports kit comes home regularly for washing put it that way!

Physical Education is a popular subject that is an integral part of school life at Ribston. Lessons are fun and dynamic and the broad curriculum offers a wide variety to students in all Key Stages. At Key Stage 3 the activities on offer include Netball, Hockey, Health Related Fitness, Swimming, Outdoor and Adventurous Activities, Gymnastics, Basketball, Yoga, Tennis, Rounders and Athletics.

At Key Stage 4 there are different activities on offer including Yoga, Trampolining, Basketball, Flexi-bar, Badminton, Ultimate Frisbee and Aerobics. At Key Stage 5 the students can also gain a certificate in Self-defence.

The Ribston Hall PE department are committed to delivering high quality lessons using a variety of teaching methods. We aim to ensure that all students are challenged and inspired in lessons and we create an environment where students can be independent in their learning and develop numerous life skills that are transferable to other subjects and everyday challenges. Our Leadership programmes are highly regarded and many of there themes run through many lessons from an early age.

In Year 9 our students all participate in Sports Education where they have the chance to lead their peers and develop skills in a team situation. Teams work in a variety of activities and are fully responsible for their learning and development over a series of lessons. This programme has become very popular with the students and allows for every student to make a valid contribution to the outcomes achieved.

The PE department has a very strong Gifted and Talented programme that supports and nurtures our more able students. The teachers are all Junior Athlete Education (JAE) mentors and work with our elite athletes to ensure they have work/sport balance and correct nutrition.

Last year Ribston Hall was recognised as a high performing school in sport and was awarded specialist status. This has allowed the PE department to continue to develop new projects and offer greater opportunities to our students.

GCSE

The course will develop the ability to plan, perform and evaluate a range of physical activities. Students will also have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of current issues in sport, the active participant and of the various roles involved in organising and leading a sport.

Students will sit two written examinations, each lasting one hour and thirty minutes. The examination consists of a multiple choice section, a short answer section and a pre-released scenario section.

There is a large practical component to this subject and candidates will be asked to select four different roles and/or sports to be assessed in.

Candidates must choose from practical activities from the following categories:
Outwitting opponents (Games activities)
Accurate replication (Gymnastic activities)
Exploring and communicating ideas (Dance activities)
Performing at maximum levels (Athletic activities)Identifying and solving problems to overcome challenges (Life Saving/Personal Survival and Outdoor and Adventurous activities)
Exercising safely and effectively to improve health and well-being (Fitness and Health activities)

Candidates will participate in a number of sports and be assessed in lessons. Candidates who participate to a high level in other sports both in and outside school will have the opportunity to be assessed in these areas. If a candidate has particular strength in one particular sport they can be assessed as a performer, coach and official in that sport as three out of their four practical assessments.

A Level

Students have the chance to take on the roles of performer, Leader or Official at AS, before focusing on one of these roles at A2. In their chosen roles, they will:
Review their current participation in Physical activity
Identify opportunities locally, nationally and internationally for them to advance their participation in physical activity
Create a development plan and a life plan for their participation in physical activity
Students will learn about sports from grass roots to the elite, and the development of competitive sport
Learn about Healthy lifestyles, fitness training, and preparation for sports and the effects of exercise on the body
Last edited by Stressed?Moi? on Tue Oct 14, 2014 12:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Weaver
Posts: 107
Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2010 8:40 pm

Re: Grammar schools and sports

Post by Weaver »

My daughter is at HSFG, and although I'm aware it doesn't have a reputation of being a sporty school, since she went there my DD has come to love sport, and engage with it in a way she never did at primary. They've done rugby, badminton, trampolining, hockey, netball, lacrosse (and probably more I've forgotten). She has even joined the running club, which I would never have imagined 3 years ago!

They have an alternating single period one week, and a double the next (I think - I will check).

They don't major on dance in the way that Ribston does, I do know that.

Hope that helps :)
fairweathergardener
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Nov 09, 2009 3:54 pm

Re: Grammar schools and sports

Post by fairweathergardener »

I'm aware that although Pates doesn't have masses more timetabled sport than HSFG, the kids really seem to cram a lot in, especially if they are sport-inclined. HSFG does indeed have alternate one single then one double the next week which really isn't enough. However, what they do do well is introduce the girls to a lot of different sports including rugby and football, among others. They don't just stick to netball, hockey and rounders!!
I have no idea about any of the other schools.
ducativalentino
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon May 14, 2012 2:04 pm

Re: Grammar schools and sports

Post by ducativalentino »

Thanks all for replying and helping.
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