Sport
Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was despair
Nelson Mandela
We strive to give opportunities to every single student to participate in sport during their school career, from competing in a rugby match against other schools, taking part in an Inter-House competition, or playing basketball in the playground during break and lunchtime. Regular participation in sport helps all students nurture their social, physical, and intellectual skills, developing healthy minds and bodies.
If students enjoy sport during their school years, they are more likely to continue their involvement in sport long after they leave Skinners’. Our aim is for each student to develop a lifelong passion for sport.
In addition, many represent the school in national, regional, and county levels in a variety of different sports, and we support their development through high performance and youth pathways.
At the main school, we have a state-of-the-art sports centre housing a full size basketball court (and four badminton courts), a bouldering and climbing wall, fitness suite, weights room, and a Sport Science classroom. At Southfields (10 minutes’ walk from the school) we have five rugby pitches, switching in the middle term to six football pitches, as well as three cricket squares and a recently installed five lane Astroturf cricket net facility. The sports pavilion has five changing rooms, as well as a function room where boys will enjoy their match tea after competitive school fixtures. Our 1st XI cricketers also play some matches at the Nevill Ground, in Tunbridge Wells, a venue that has hosted first class and international cricket.
Health & wellbeing
We believe that every student should have access to, and benefit from, the gym and expertise available at Skinners’, not only those who are members of a sports team. Learning what is required to have a healthy lifestyle and developing confidence in a gym environment is an essential tool to leave school with. Evidence shows that fitness training improves musculoskeletal strength, bone health, body composition, cardiovascular fitness, movement efficiency, as well as psychological well-being. Opportunities to follow training programmes will be provided within curriculum PE and Games, as well as extra-curricular clubs.
Mr N McBride
Head of Athletic Development
Sport code of conduct
All pupils should:
- Play for their own fun and personal enjoyment.
- Be a good sport.
- Respect their opponents and the match officials - treat everyone as they themselves would wish to be treated.
- Learn the rules and adhere to them.
- Accept decisions; let their captain or coach ask any necessary questions.
- Remember that the aim of the game is to have fun, improve skills and teamwork
- Work equally hard for the team as for themselves - their team’s performance will benefit alongside their own.
- Co-operate with their coach, team-mates and opponents – without them, there would be no game.
- Appreciate and respect the adults who make these opportunities possible.
