Teddies in top 4% of UK schools for sport
We are delighted to share that Teddies has been selected as one of School Sports Magazine’s top 200 sporting schools in the country. The list includes both independent and state schools, and we were ranked 98th – putting St Edward’s in the top 4% of schools for sport nationally. Immy Allen, Lower Sixth pupil, interviewed her fellow pupils this week on why they think Teddies has been ranked so highly.
Why is it that Teddies has been placed in the top 200 schools for sport in the UK? In what ways do they serve the athletes of the school, providing ample opportunities for the accomplished athletes to develop their existing skills, and encouraging the new, curious, or casual athletes to participate, bettering themselves physically, mentally, and socially?
Sebastian Apponyi, First Team Rugby, Second Team Rowing, and a Shell. Sebastian is new to St Edward’s, and thus has had to weather the rather scary experience of trying out for sports teams, making friends with fellow teammates, and balancing his social and academic life with his sporting endeavours.
‘I feel as though sports at Teddies has allowed me to transition smoothly into the Shell; it has allowed me to create bonds with other people within the First and Second Team.’
He also disclosed that this gave him the opportunity to connect with his coaches which is something which he has greatly appreciated, for example with Mr Davies in Apsley, as it allowed him to feel more at home in his House environment.
‘I felt more at ease knowing that I had friends within the First and Second Teams, as it set a base of friends and I could expand my friend group over time from there, which is quite comforting.’
When asked in what ways he has benefited from the sports programme, he shared that ‘[he] had developed teamwork and leadership skills, more confidence, and more resilience,’ thanks to the extensive facilities, quality training, and competitive playing opportunities in both his sports.
This theme of personal development as a direct result of Teddies’ impressive commitment to providing for athletes continues in Tom Robertson, a Lower Sixth in First Team Hockey. A player since he was two years old, Tom has played state hockey for Queensland, Australia, and continues to cultivate his skill at St Edward’s.
Tom Robertson rowing for St Edward’s
‘It has developed teamwork and leadership skills outside of solely playing sport; there’s lots of team bonding and meets, allowing us to connect as a group. For example, on Tuesday mornings, we have Strength and Conditioning, and on Tuesday and Thursday we have standard practice, Wednesday, short corner practice, and Friday and Saturdays we have fixtures.’
When asked what kind of services Teddies provides to aid in his sporting journey from Shells to Lower Sixth, Tom answered,
‘Graduates have specific knowledge of Sports and Conditioning that puts them in a unique position to care for Teddies athletes. When I injured my ankle, they gave me training exercises and supported me until I was back on my feet. We are also given the opportunity to attend Sports Psychology talks, Health and Fitness talks, and are given access to Martyrs Training Pavilion and the Nuffield Gym, allowing us to reach our respective sporting potentials and improve as a team.’
This is something that is especially important for Tom, as a competent and accomplished athlete.
Alex Mather, a talented dual scholar in Upper Sixth (music and First Team rowing), shares why he chose Teddies as his future for rowing, and details how Teddies sport support athletes emotionally, another quality that proves St Edward’s competence and commendable ability to care for and provide for their athletes.
‘I chose St Edward’s as I was aware that it was a good quality rowing school. While they push you to do well, they never push too hard; they put students first. They ensure that we make the right decisions that set us up for life. Teddies is a very busy school, but despite this, the teachers and coaches ensure that they cater to what people can do, they find solutions for you.’
When asked why he believed Teddies was placed in the top 200, he said that ‘one of the things that is really important and integral to our success, is how willing our coaches are to say it how it is.’ Transparent, kind, communicative, and capable, the coaches ensure that the students are aware of their responsibilities to their team, teaching them the value of effort and encouraging them to perform to their best ability.
‘This is what makes us such determined athletes, in addition to communication – we have a Squads Team chat, which aids us in our communication, and this level of communication and camaraderie that the school prioritises and fosters is what brings us all together.’
This means that when Alex and his team hit the water, they are able to deliver, winning races and breaking records, solidifying Teddies’ reputation as a school that delivers time and time again.
And, finally, Darcey Wrigley, a dedicated Lower Sixth Second Team Netball player, shares how St Edward’s utilises its many facilities, programmes, and events to enhance the sporting abilities of the Netball Team.
‘On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, we use the netball courts, practising drills, simulations, and various tactics, and, most saliently, on Mondays, we complete the Strength and Conditioning Programme, which is designed to strengthen our bodies and enable us to perform to our best ability. The school has organised talks about the Psychology of Sport, and has brought in netball professionals, who make us better not only individually, but as a team. Additionally, we participated in a workshop from London Pulse Netball, an English netball team of great renown and skill, who inspired us to continue working hard and pursuing greatness in sport.’
This insight provided by the athletes only affirms that St Edward’s is worthy of its placement, recognised for their commitment to providing students with a comprehensive, engaging, and intensive sporting programme that allows students to learn the value of teamwork, forging connections, discipline, and cultivating a healthy competitive drive in a learning environment.
Reported by Immy Allen, Lower Sixth pupil.